Virginia Lawmakers Toss Out One-a-Month Cap on Handgun Purchases
OutdoorHub Reporters 02.28.12
In 1993 Virginia enacted a controversial bill which limited the state’s citizens to one handgun purchase in a given 30 day period. The aim of the bill was to help stop gun-smuggling in the state.
Now, according to multiple reports, that law has been struck down by Virginia State lawmakers. The bill passed the state Senate narrowly— 21-19. However, it passed the house by a wide margin— 66-32.
Those affected by gun violence have voiced concern over the state’s choice. “Getting rid of the one-handgun-a-month law will make it easier for gun traffickers to purchase handguns in bulk,” said Lori Hass (in a Washington Post article), whose daughter was wounded in the Virginia Tech shooting, “there have been too many tragedies in other states fueled by guns that come from Virginia, and this will only make the situation worse.”
Scott Lingamfelter (R) sponsored the bill and said the old law was no longer needed because of improved technology which has lead to better background checks (which are still mandatory) that will prevent criminals from buying guns.
Supporters of the bill have also pointed out that only three states (California, New Jersey, and Maryland) have handgun purchasing limits and that removing this brings Virginia closer to the predominate policy on handgun sales.
