From the NRA-ILA: July 1, the following pro-gun/pro-hunting laws will take effect in Virginia:
Sunday hunting legislation --
Senate Bill 154, sponsored by now-former state Senator Phil Puckett (D-38), and
House Bill 1237,
sponsored by Delegate Todd Gilbert (R-15) and 39 colleagues -- repeals
the outdated ban on Sunday hunting on private lands with written
permission from the owner while still prohibiting hunting within 200
yards of a house of worship, the hunting of deer with dogs and the
hunting of bear. SB 154 was signed into law on April 1 and HB 1237 was
signed into law on March 5.
Senate Bill 371,
sponsored by Senator Jeffrey McWaters (R-8), allows the Department of
Game and Inland Fisheries to issue hunting, trapping and fishing
licenses valid for one full year from a future effective date. SB 371
was signed into law on March 17.
House Bill 127,
sponsored by Delegate Ed Scott (R-30), allows persons to hunt big game
with muzzleloading pistols of a caliber of .45 or greater where and in
those seasons when the use of muzzleloading rifles is permitted. HB 127
was signed into law on March 5.
House Bill 307,
sponsored by Delegate Scott Lingamfelter (R-31), permits local school
boards to provide after-school hunter safety education programs for
students grades seven through twelve, at the cost of the participant.
HB 307 was signed into law on April 4.
House Bill 357,
sponsored by Delegate Rich Anderson (R-51), allows a circuit court
clerk to disclose information contained in a concealed handgun permit
application to the applicant. HB 357 was signed into law on March 31.
House Bill 715,
sponsored by Delegate Tommy Wright (R-61), establishes a new combined
license for persons hunting with a bow and arrow or a crossbow. HB 715
was signed into law on March 5.
House Bill 752,
sponsored by Delegate Tom Rust (R-86), gives a school board discretion
in requiring expulsion for certain students found with a firearm on
school premises. HB 752 was signed into law on April 7.
House Bill 1146,
sponsored by Delegate Buddy Fowler (R-55), allows apprentice hunters to
hunt unsupervised if they have completed a hunter education course. HB
1146 was signed into law on March 17.
NRA-ILA thanks you for your active involvement during the 2014
legislative session, which helped ensure these measures became law. As
always, please stay tuned to
www.nraila.org for future updates.