From Gov. Kaine's office...as recommended by the chairman of the Virginia Tech commission.
GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION TO CLOSE GUN SHOW LOOPHOLE~ Would make existing law apply to gun show purchases ~
RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced a legislative proposal to close the gun show loophole in existing laws requiring instant background checks for firearms purchases. The Governor made the announcement standing with family members of students killed or injured in April's Virginia Tech shootings, as well as legislators and members of the law enforcement community.
"It is long past time to apply existing Virginia law to every firearm sale at a gun show," Governor Kaine said. "It is wrong for felons, or domestic abusers constrained by protective orders, or people with serious mental illnesses who are likely to harm themselves or others to be able to buy a gun, and we must close this loophole."
In 1991, the General Assembly passed a law requiring instant background checks for anyone purchasing any type of firearm from a licensed dealer. The instant, computerized check does not create any permanent record of the transaction."I support 2nd Amendment rights, and I believe that Virginia's laws generally strike the right balance of protecting that right, consistent with the demands of public safety," Governor Kaine said. "Most law-abiding gun owners and sellers already go through this process every time they purchase or sell a gun."
Colonel W. Gerald Massengill, former superintendent of the Virginia State Police and Chairman of the Virginia Tech Review Panel, released a statement in support of the proposed legislation.
"I strongly believe that in today's world of automation there is no excuse for guns to be in the hands of those who are not eligible," Colonel Massengill said. "Closing this loophole at point of sale or transfer is a first step to ensure that only eligible individuals have the ability to purchase or possess firearms under Virginia law."
"We are grateful for Governor Kaine's leadership in pressing for legislation that would prohibit sales of dangerous weapons without criminal background checks in Virginia. Along with our Virginia Million Mom March Chapters, we are extremely proud of the efforts of the Virginia Tech families who are going to work hard to get this measure passed. We challenge the gun lobby to drop their long opposition to this measure, which shouldn't cause problems for any law-abiding gun purchaser.""Closing the gun show loophole does not negatively affect gun shows. Indeed, the only economic impact is on the most reckless sellers of firearms. We should stop those who are deliberately marketing to buyers who can't pass a background check. Virginia can do more to protect the public's safety."