Dear (insert Virginia senator or delegate name),

I applaud much of the work you do in the (House/ Senate), and would like to continue to vote for you in the future.  That will not be the case, however, unless you vote to block HB 421.

I am a firearms owner, as are members of my family and extended family.  None of us are violent criminals, just law-abiding citizens of the commonwealth who enjoy target shooting, hunting and competitions.  Some family members use firearms as part of their livelihood, working on the farm.  For some, self-defense is our sole concern.

When you folks write gun laws, we are NOT the type of people that should be affected, because we are NOT criminals.  However, many of the laws being proposed lately would restrict our ability to own, carry, transport or use firearms, rather than doing anything to reduce violence.  The laws just make it harder for good, peaceful citizens to defend ourselves from the criminals you should be focusing your laws and your attention on, and do nothing to hinder criminals... nothing to keep them from acquiring or using a gun to commit evil.  Because they’ll just ignore the law, as usual.  It’s why they’re called criminals.

Want to affect criminals?  Want to reduce criminal activity?  Stiffen the punishments for crimes.  Lengthen the minimum sentences.  Stop dropping firearm charges when prosecuting assaults, robberies, and rapes.  Don’t pass laws on possession that hurt good people who will follow the law, turning them into victims.

HB 421 would remove the state laws’ preemption over cities and counties, resulting in a hodgepodge of conflicting laws all across the state, going something like this: AR-15 possession will be banned in Fairfax... AR’s and AK’s and PCC’s in Richmond... PCC’s, threaded pistols and AR’s in Alexandria... AK’s and all centerfire rifles with a threaded barrel and a pistol grip in Chrystal City.  Are you confused yet?  Could you remember that if you were driving across the state to get to the beach for a family vacation, or getting out of town for some time in the country and a visit to Luray Caverns?

With a different set of laws for possession, use, storage and transport in every county and city, no one would be able to keep track of it.  Or the changes through the year.  How many citizens would be arrested for carrying a gun that is legal in their city but outlawed two towns over?  Or for leaving a rifle locked in the trunk in a case that is acceptable in one country, but the next requires it to be disassembled as well?

While a world without violence is something we all may strive to attain, it isn’t the world we live in.  We have and carry firearms for defense as well as other lawful reasons, and House Bill 421 would end up making criminals out of us because we crossed a county line.  Or into the city, the wrong city.  Criminalizing citizens for exercising their 2nd amendment rights in a peaceful manner makes no sense at all.

Please do the right thing, and vote “NO” on HB 421.

Looking forward to hearing of your support and voting for you again,
(Signature)

Quoted:
so what im seeing is essentially HB961 is now passed on a town by town basis?

Quoted:

No, I don’t think it is as bad as HB421 originally proposed. It is not good but I believe it is more narrowly written as to what counties and municipalities can regulate. Basically, carry in public buildings,PLACES and events.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

Quoted:

so like you mean.......anywhere then?

#seemslegit

Quoted:
SUBSTITUTE TEXT OF HB421 JUST UPLOADED

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+ful+HB421S1

Quoted:
What really concerns me most;

[prohibited] (iv) in any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit. (underlined by me)

So, I could see that faggoty Alexandria Farmer's Market becoming a "NO GUNS ZONE" (aka "VICTIM RICH ENVIRONMENT") but that could also include the public street in front of the venue. That could be a real problem if you happen to be driving by, unaware of the event.