By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
Almost predictably, a Richmond Democrat Delegate-elect who is part of the new legislative majority in Virginia has introduced a gun control bill which, if passed, will require firearms dealers, manufacturers or importers to provide a locking device with the sale of each handgun.
Democrats recaptured the Assembly in November, and it was almost a given that gun control bills would start popping up.
In this case, Del.-elect Michael Jones has introduced the gun lock bill, according to the Richmond Times Dispatch. It has been several years since the proposal was first submitted, the newspaper indicated. The bill makes it a misdemeanor for not offering a locking device with a handgun sale.
In addition, the bill would require handguns to come with warning labels and separate notices in the packaging explaining how they should be locked up to prevent child access.
House Bill 2 is a short bill, which includes this definition: “As used in this section, ‘locking device’ means (i) a device that if installed on a firearm and secured by means of a key or a mechanically, electronically, or electromechanically operated combination lock prevents the firearm from being discharged without first deactivating or removing the device by means of a key or mechanically, electronically, or electromechanically operated combination lock or (ii) a locking mechanism incorporated into the design of a firearm that prevents discharge of the firearm by any person who does not have access to the key or other device designed to unlock the mechanism and thereby allow discharge of the firearm.”
The newspaper quoted an email sent by Philip Van Cleave, head of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, which stated, “None of this is necessary as federal law already requires a locking device be supplied by dealers for handgun purchases.”
Van Cleave also wanted to know whether the state will provide the stickers and warning notices to dealers, to spare them the additional cost of those materials. And, he noted the lock requirement would add additional expense for a private sale under current “universal background check” requirements.
Virginia isn’t the only state where gun control legislation is being introduced.
Out in Washington, Democrat lawmakers have pre-filed a bill to require a permit-to-purchase and documented training for anyone wanting to purchase a firearm, and the safety course would require a live fire exercise. The measure is House Bill 1902.
