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2000 SESSION

006305748
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 282
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by the House Committee on Rules
on February 11, 2000)
(Patron Prior to Substitute--Delegate Griffith)
Creating a joint subcommittee to study concealed weapons permits.

WHEREAS, many people among the more than 100,000 Virginians who have been issued concealed weapons permits believe such permits are, in effect, court approved exemptions from the laws against carrying concealed weapons; and

WHEREAS, permitees are under the impression that a concealed weapons permit allows them to enter any establishment, public or private place, or to cross jurisdictional boundaries without fear of breaking the law; and

WHEREAS, exceptions to the concealed weapons permit law, including the on-premises exception under ABC law, the public building exception, and the importability of such permits when crossing jurisdictional boundaries, create unintended consequences for permitees; and

WHEREAS, the original intention of exceptions to concealed weapons permits was to prevent introducing a weapon into a possibly volatile atmosphere, or situation, not to create technical violators out of otherwise law abiding citizens; and

WHEREAS, the issue of concealed weapons has generated considerable interest and attention, resulting in several measures before the 2000 Session of the General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, action on such legislation has been deferred for further deliberation, and should be considered within the context of this study; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That a joint subcommittee be established to examine concealed weapons permits. The joint subcommittee shall (i) examine, within the context of its study, issues related to concealed weapons permits; and (ii) consider the possibility of establishing reciprocity agreements with other jurisdictions for the portability of such permits. The joint subcommittee shall also consider, among other things, exceptions under ABC law and regulations, and exceptions under general law. The joint subcommittee shall be composed of ten members, as follows: six members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House, in accordance with the principles of Rule 16 of the Rules of the House of Delegates; and four members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections. The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $12,500.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee, upon request.

The joint subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2001 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.