FrankT
6.8 SPCII Hog Slayer
RICHMOND — Gov. Terry McAuliffe plans to announce Friday that Virginia will restore handgun reciprocity agreements with nearly all states, in a stunning reversal of a firearms policy that had angered Republicans and gun rights advocates across the nation.
The about-face is part of a deal that McAuliffe (D) struck with Republican leaders one month after Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D) ended the right of gun owners in 25 states to have their concealed carry permits recognized in Virginia.
[Past coverage: Virginia to stop recognizing concealed carry gun permits from 25 states]
In exchange, Republicans will agree to a major concession: Anyone subject to a permanent protective order for a domestic violence offense will be prohibited from carrying a firearm for the two-year life of the order. The issue had been a nonstarter in the Republican-controlled General Assembly.
“This is a bipartisan deal that will make Virginians safer,” McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy said. “It also demonstrates that Democrats and Republicans can work together on key issues like keeping guns out of dangerous hands.”
The agreement marks the first break in a logjam in the state over gun rights and gun control marked by heated rhetoric on both sides.
“Bipartisanship requires give and take by both sides,” said Matt Moran, a spokesman for House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford). “This agreement restores reciprocity for law-abiding Virginians while sending a clear signal about domestic violence. There’s a lot to like here.”
Herring did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
The NRA applauded the deal.
“The National Rifle Association commends leaders in the Commonwealth for moving forward on a bipartisan package that will benefit Virginia citizens,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA-ILA, the organization’s lobbying arm.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/loca...8c0240-c5d8-11e5-9693-933a4d31bcc8_story.html
The about-face is part of a deal that McAuliffe (D) struck with Republican leaders one month after Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D) ended the right of gun owners in 25 states to have their concealed carry permits recognized in Virginia.
[Past coverage: Virginia to stop recognizing concealed carry gun permits from 25 states]
In exchange, Republicans will agree to a major concession: Anyone subject to a permanent protective order for a domestic violence offense will be prohibited from carrying a firearm for the two-year life of the order. The issue had been a nonstarter in the Republican-controlled General Assembly.
“This is a bipartisan deal that will make Virginians safer,” McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy said. “It also demonstrates that Democrats and Republicans can work together on key issues like keeping guns out of dangerous hands.”
The agreement marks the first break in a logjam in the state over gun rights and gun control marked by heated rhetoric on both sides.
“Bipartisanship requires give and take by both sides,” said Matt Moran, a spokesman for House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford). “This agreement restores reciprocity for law-abiding Virginians while sending a clear signal about domestic violence. There’s a lot to like here.”
Herring did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
The NRA applauded the deal.
“The National Rifle Association commends leaders in the Commonwealth for moving forward on a bipartisan package that will benefit Virginia citizens,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA-ILA, the organization’s lobbying arm.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/loca...8c0240-c5d8-11e5-9693-933a4d31bcc8_story.html
