Fairfax, Va. – Governor Bob McDonnell has signed House Bill 940 into law. This legislation repeals Virginia’s prohibition of purchasing more than one handgun per month.
“Gun rationing schemes are archaic and ineffective. Like every gun control law, this law only burdened law-abiding citizens,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director for NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “Governor McDonnell and the Virginia General Assembly should be commended for removing this law and for working to place the full burden of Virginia’s criminal justice laws on the criminals.”
Five states enacted such gun rationing laws in the past but the first two to do so – South Carolina and Virginia – were also the first to repeal them. South Carolina enacted its law in 1975 and repealed it in 2004. Today, only three states – California, Maryland and New Jersey – have these burdensome statutes.
Sponsored by Delegate Scott Lingamfelter (R-31), House Bill 940 passed in the Virginia Senate by a 21 to 19 vote and in the House of Delegates by a 66 to 32 vote. The companion legislation, Senate Bill 323, was sponsored by Senator Bill Carrico (R-40).
Note from Mike P., Editor: The gun rationing end date is July 1, 2012. Thanks to NRA-ILA.