HB 2479 Virginia House of Delegates · 2019 Regular Session

Firearm transfers; criminal history record information checks, penalty.

Summary
Requires a background check for any firearm transfer and directs the Department of State Police (the Department) to establish a process for transferors to obtain such a check from licensed firearms dealers. A transferor who sells a firearm to another person without obtaining the required background check is guilty of a Class 6 felony. The bill also provides that a transferee who receives a firearm from another person without obtaining the required background check is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts transfers (i) between immediate family members; (ii) that occur by operation of law; (iii) by the executor or administrator of an estate or by the trustee of a testamentary trust; (iv) at firearms shows in accordance with law; (v) that are part of a buy-back or give-back program; (vi) of antique firearms; (vii) that occur at a shooting range, shooting gallery, or any other area designed for the purpose of target shooting or for use during target practice, a firearms safety or training course or class, a shooting competition, or any similar lawful activity; or (viii) that are temporary transfers that (a) occur within the continuous presence of the owner of the firearm or (b) are necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm. The bill removes the provision that makes background checks of prospective purchasers or transferees at firearms shows voluntary. The bill also provides that the Department shall have three business days to complete a criminal history record information check before a firearm may be transferred.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2019
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2019 Last action Feb 5, 2019
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jan 15, 2019
Committee
Assigned MPPS sub: Subcommittee #1
lower
Jan 9, 2019
Committee
Referred to Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety
lower
Jan 9, 2019
Introduced
Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/09/19 19103834D
lower
1 primary · 19 co-sponsors

Sponsors