As the Commonwealth of Virginia gears up for the 2023 legislative session one bill to watch is VA SB 1382 “Assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices; purchase, possession, etc., prohibited.” The bill is an “AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE” which was proposed by the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations on January 25, 2023. Specific language and current status can be found at https://legiscan.com/VA/text/SB1382/2023.
Similar bills to prohibit the sale and ownership of “assault “ weapons and high-capacity magazines have been introduced in the Virginia Legislature but for one reason or another have not been enacted. Under Governor Northam a similar bill came close to passage; however, after strong push back by concerned citizens and the Second Amendment march on Richmond in January 2020 several Democratic members of the legislature wisely voted against the measure.
The current bill is similar to others, however, there is one striking difference. Specifically, the bill states “An “assault firearm” does not include any firearm that is an antique firearm, has been rendered permanently inoperable, is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, or was manufactured before July 1, 2023.” Thus, on face value initially any assault weapon manufactured before this date would be excluded from the ban or “grand fathered” once the measure is enacted.
As thousands of “assault weapons” are already owned by law abiding citizens what impact can/will this have on curbing gun violence. The short answer is none – most crimes are conducted with handguns not “assault rifles ” and thousands of legal assault rifles are already in circulation in the Commonwealth. If this is the case, then what is the intent and purpose of this grandfathered exemption ?
It does not take an astute political scientist to surmise that this revised language will make this legislation an easier sell to those moderate Democrats and perhaps some Republicans who would otherwise push back on an outright ban. In short, If this bill is passed other more strident measures perhaps leading to an outright ban are sure to follow and down the slippery slope, we go …
https://www.politico.com/story/2013/01/giffords-launches-anti-gun-website-085882
One of the bill’s sponsors Creigh Deeds prides himself on being endorsed by Gabby Giffords who has called for “banning the sale and manufacture of these uniquely dangerous weapons.” Her website is funded by the Americans for Responsible Solutions PAC. Giffords PAC claims to be bipartisan; however, this PAC has overwhelmingly supported Democrats and opposed Republicans in both endorsements and financial support. Even the left leaning PolitiFact has criticized the Giffords PAC for taking facts about gun policy out of context.
At the end of the day SB1382 is more than a piece of “feel good” legislation but rather the proverbial Trojan Horse dressed in sheep’s clothing with an ulterior motive, and we have seen this sleight of hand before across the nation. Yes, many of my Democratic friends have repeatedly told me they are not coming after my guns; I beg to differ, and SB 1383 is merely the start of a calculated strategy to infringe upon my Second Amendment rights. Caveat emptor!
9 comments
“Opposed to more funding for Ukraine” and so we thank you, Mr. Massoud, for your candid response — it should cost you any political future. Ukrainians are giving their lives for ours in a battle with Putin and you cannot, will not, muster for them even a dime of support.
Reagan is rolling in his grave for your weakness for freedom. No surprise — he was a real Republican, unlike today’s fake claims to conservative credentials. What’s a taxi guy to do? Get a checkup from the neck up and thank your lucky stars for a Dulles monopoly that no real conservative would ever even consider granting. Oh what a tangled web …
the reason the 2020 bill on owning semi-automatic rifles (aka “assault weapons) was killed in committee is because it made owning such weapons illegal, and had it passed it would have been thrown out in the courts, but Chap Petersen would still have his Senate seat. But if this bill bans semi automatics made after July 1, 2023, then that sounds to me like an illegal taking the court will strike down. But it’s all moot. I don’t believe Gov. Youngkin is going to sign any such legislation, but it will just create more negative headlines for Republicans in the liberal media. It is as Mr. Poplarr said “feel good” legislation — nothing more.
This is easy. The intent of the 2nd Amendment is to ensure that every citizen can own the weapon of the average infantryman because we are all part of the “militia.” Having the right to own a military weapon is the intent of the Amendment. It’s not for hunting. “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
What part of “shall not be infringed” do Democrats not understand?
What part of “well regulated” don’t you understand?
To your point, every student in America should be required to pass a basic rifle marksmanship course as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma. On paper, we are the militia. It wasn’t an issue when we had conscription but, now that has been abolished, we need to teach shooting skills.
Hey y’all, some cleanup needed here. It’s the 2024 legislative session being geared up for, not the 2023; and Deeds’ assault weapon ban is SB2, not SB1383 (that was last session’s bill) https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?241+sum+SB2
Hey thank you for the course correction — much apprecaited !
Not on topic but you and other writers here were supporting Ukraine war funding. How’d that go? After untold casualties, the Ukrainians have lost … The US proxy war has failed as did the US involved wars and the US is out tens of billions of dollars. And achieved nothing.
Except I guess for giving military contractors in the beltway more billions.
The US advisory strategy has been an abject disaster. Encouraging the Ukes to bleed themselves white in an attempt to break through mine fields and defense in depth trench lines without the firepower or mass of troops to do so… not to mention no air cover.\\
Does anyone in the US military now know their ass from a hole in the ground? After the Afghan bugout disaster and now this disaster.
The Ukrainians would do well to to tell the neocons to go F themselves and make a deal with Putin…
Well.. to end this rant… told you so…
I’m opposed to more funding for Ukraine, but let’s fight one thing per thread. Brother Ros is 💯 spot on here talking about what a joke the assault weapon ban would be.