RICHMOND — Gov. Terry McAuliffe plans to announce Friday that Virginia will restore handgun reciprocity agreements with nearly all states, in a stunning reversal of a firearms policy that had angered Republicans and gun rights advocates across the nation.
The about-face is part of a deal that McAuliffe (D) struck with Republican leaders one month after Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D) ended the right of gun owners in 25 states to have their concealed carry permits recognized in Virginia.
In exchange, Republicans will agree to a major concession: Anyone subject to a permanent protective order for a domestic violence offense will be prohibited from carrying a firearm for the two-year life of the order. The issue had been a nonstarter in the Republican-controlled General Assembly.
“This is a bipartisan deal that will make Virginians safer,” McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy said. “It also demonstrates that Democrats and Republicans can work together on key issues like keeping guns out of dangerous hands.”
The agreement marks the first break in a logjam in the state over gun rights and gun control marked by heated rhetoric on both sides.
It includes an amendment offered by Sen. Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax City) that says Virginia will not honor an out-of-state concealed carry permit held by a person whose Virginia concealed carry permit was previously revoked — a practice known as “state shopping.”
In another concession, state police must be present at all gun shows to administer background checks in private sales of guns on a voluntary basis. McAuliffe’s budget includes $100,000 to fund the activity.
Those seem like common sense ideas that might make us a little bit safer. Those are all measures that make most of the voters happy–all but the most strident of the gun activists.
I have no issue with the concessions, as they either restate federal law ( restraining order prohibition) or are items that the VCDL and the NRA, supported or were neutral. Providing the means for two private individuals to conduct a voluntary background check at a gunshow is a good thing, and have no problem with someone whose VA CHP was pulled for cause, not being able to substitute a non-res permit. Most to the Super-permit states like FL and UT will automatically revoke the non-res permit they issue, upon notification of the home state.
Another area where we can find common ground is mental health. If we can’t get outside of framing the entire discussion within the context of guns, we won’t get far. There’s an anti-gun bill working it’s way though the committee process. Essentially, if a CHP holder voluntarily seeks mental health counseling, they lose their permit, regardless of whether or not the individual poses a danger to themselves or others. This is a disincentive to seeking help and violates due process.
Sounds good to me. Also got no problem with a State Police rep working the “private sales” at gun shows. That begins to take a proverbial monkey off the backs of the law abiding gun show people.
And no one caved, in my estimation. The governor looked at the reciprocity issue. He had some cards to play, but his hand wasn’t that strong, but play his cards he did. The GA had some cards too, but no trump due to the lack of a veto-proof majority. Each side had to give to get. Nothing that came out of this should be onerous to anyone except the fringe of each side. The net was some small but sensible reforms in exchange for recognition of constitutional rights. No one skunked anyone. That’s my read on this.
Excellent, Steve. It seemed ok to me but I don’t know all the gun details as you do.
This is really how government should work.
@Wolve
Wolve…agree. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t use this service when conducting a private sale at a gunshow. I know I would, even as a buyer, if not to ensure that I’m not purchasing a stolen firearm. Much as I hate to admit it, the governor can point to this and say ” we moved closer to closing the “loophole” and it’s something even the NRA supports.” Even if there is a fee commensurate with that associated with an FFL transfer, ($10.00) it’s a small price for ensuring the stranger isn’t a prohibited person. Much more workable than the “universal backgound check” proposals out there.
Now, I just need to see the actual legislation.
@Moon-howler
I could do without my rights, as a responsible, law-abiding, well-trained CHP holder being used as a football, but I am sure you understand, being pro-choice, within reason. But that is the way the game is played.
@Steve Thomas
Yes, I certainly understand.
Apparently some do not understand about compromise. The anti-gun people now feel McAuliffe is a traitor and the pro-gun people almost had one of their own blow it on a radio show by stating it was a huge win for the pro-gun side.
Both sides had agreed to present the compromise and a win/win.
It was Gilbert who ran his yap.
I’m a little late to this comment party, but can I just say I’m both astonished and delighted to see our legislators craft a common sense, bi-partisan compromise on ANY issue — any issue at all! It restores just the tiniest bit of faith that there may be people elected to represent us who are willing to, at least just this once, come together to advance the interests of the common good – both from a public safety and and a citizens’ rights perspective. Even though both sides knew they would piss off some of their “base”. Three cheers! Now the question – will this happen again in my lifetime?