HANDGUN-PURCHASE BILL GATHERS MORE OPPOSITION IN HOUSE

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, January 2, 1992                   TAG: 9201020053
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B7   EDITION: METRO  
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Medium
HANDGUN-PURCHASE BILL GATHERS MORE OPPOSITION IN HOUSE
A survey of lawmakers shows weak support for a plan to require a three-day waiting period for handgun purchases.
House of Delegates Democrats pushed the waiting period in last year's legislative session. The proposal failed on the House floor after a debate during which two delegates pulled guns from their desks.
The proposal, expected to return in the General Assembly session that convenes Jan. 8., appears to have lost some support. Fifteen of 25 House Democrats responding to The Richmond News Leader's annual legislative survey said they oppose a waiting period. Overall, 41 of the 63 legislators who answered the question said they would oppose the waiting period. Most who explained their positions said the state's instant criminal-records check of gun purchasers adequately prevents felons from buying guns.
"I do not see where a waiting period would produce more positive results," wrote Del. Frank Hargrove, R-Hanover County.
Supporters of the waiting period legislation say it could stop crimes committed by people who buy and use a gun in a moment of passion.
"I'd support a three-day waiting period before this bill is introduced," wrote Del. Jay DeBoer, D-Petersburg, who did not indicate which way he would vote.
Other responses to the survey show significant support for a proposal requiring one parent to be notified before a girl younger than 18 receives an abortion. Less support exists for requiring the parent to consent to the abortion, the newspaper reported.
Parental notification has won House approval in previous years but failed to survive a Senate committee.
Of 45 delegates who responded to the abortion question, 29 said they would support parental notification. In the Senate, 13 of the 19 respondents said they would support notification.
Requiring a parent actually to sign off on the abortion got support from only 31 of 64 legislators responding.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB