NRA-ILA | Virginia: Governor Spanberger Signing Away Your Rights

Today, April 10th, Governor Spanberger met the expectations of her anti-gun allies, signing two bills into law. This action sets the tone for what may come next as she has until April 13^th to render a decision on the remaining gun bills. 

SB27/HB21 create sweeping new standards of “responsible conduct” for members of the firearm industry, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. The bill requires these businesses to establish and implement vague and subjective “reasonable controls” over the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, and marketing of firearm-related products. Further, it establishes a broad civil cause of action, allowing the Attorney General, local government attorneys, or private individuals to sue firearm businesses for injunctions, damages, and costs. This is a direct attack on the firearm industry and are designed to regulate the industry out of existence through litigation—despite longstanding federal protections.

SB323/HB40 end the centuries-old practice of individuals building lawful firearms for personal use without government interference by prohibiting the manufacture of firearms without serial numbers. Transfer and possession of an unserialized or plastic firearm would be prohibited. This legislation would also penalize individuals who lawfully purchased unfinished frames and receivers before the bill’s effective date.

There are still many unconstitutional pieces of firearms policy on her desk. Members are encouraged to continue contacting the Governor by phone at 804-786-2211 and by clicking the Take Action button below to demand she veto the remaining bills that violate the 2^nd Amendment. 

As always, the NRA stands ready to use every legal resource to challenge these, and any other anti-gun bills Spanberger signs, in court. The Governor has till 11:59pm on April 13^th to act on the remaining bills.