Youngkin slapped down 30 gun control bills Tuesday afternoon, keeping Virginia from taking a stronger left turn in spite of the Democrat controlled legislature. As he vetoed, he explained reasons for each. Some were redundant. Others didn’t make sense in that particular area of the state. One bill appeared to target one individual. Democrats gained control in 2019 and started pushing.
Youngkin stood firm
He put out a statement, “I swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of Virginia, and that absolutely includes protecting the right of law-abiding Virginians to keep and bear arms.” Among the redundant bills was one that would criminalize gun possession at colleges. He said Democrats don’t take into account “Virginia’s diverse geographic, cultural, and societal norms across different regions,” and that colleges can do this at their facilities if they want.
Voters prevailed in electing Youngkin in a surprise upset in 2021, as well as Republicans gaining control in their House of Delegates. Democrat Sen. Louise Lucas led the Senate, often gloating they’d be the “brick wall” against the governor.
Tables were turned
He’s seeking a compromise to the Democrat budget which would raise taxes. Democrat positions may need to be moderated if they want anything to go through.
One vetoed bill would have blocked gun safety courses from being used for conceal carry permits. People would need to take them instead from the state’s Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Youngkin reminded both parties
House Bill 799 needed fingerprints for a conceal carry permit which would be submitted to the FBI. In 2012 Youngkin said this wasn’t necessary. There’s already existing background checks and “concealed carry permit holders are known for being law-abiding citizens in the Commonwealth.”
House Bill 318 is redundant. It would have issued penalties to firearm companies even though “the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) already provides a framework for addressing civil actions against firearms industry entities concerning negligent entrustment and defects.” Youngkin reminded that “Department of Justice has consistently defended the PLCAA.”
