Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 24, 1993 TAG: 9301240079
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A1 EDITION: METRO NOTE BELOW
SOURCE: MARGARET EDDS and WARREN FISKE STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Long
GUN COMPROMISE SHAPING UP
AS HE HAS done many times in the past on important legislation, Vinton's Dick Cranwell might hold the balance of power on legislative efforts to enact gun-control laws this year.Supporters of a one-per-month limit on handgun purchases are one vote shy of steering the controversial proposal through a critical House committee and forcing consideration by the full House, according to a survey of members.
Ten members of the 20-delegate House Courts of Justice Committee said in interviews last week that they were prepared to support the proposal by Gov. Douglas Wilder.
At least five others are on the fence, they said, although four of the five have received "A" ratings from the National Rifle Association in past years for their opposition to gun control.
For years, the House Committee on Militia and Police was a bottleneck for gun-control legislation. This year's improved prospects reflect a decision by House Speaker Thomas Moss, D-Norfolk, to switch gun bills to a less hostile committee.
The count came at the end of a week rife with behind-the-scenes negotiations over a host of gun bills at the forefront of this year's Assembly. The handgun-a-month bill is the focal point of a package aimed at ending Virginia's reputation as a Mecca for gunrunners.
Virginia has been identified as the chief source of illegal guns making their way to New York and Washington D.C., where many wind up being used in crimes.
Coalition-building attempts by supporters and opponents are crossing party lines, as Republicans wary of election-year alliances with Wilder scramble to ensure that they'll get credit if the bill passes.
With lines clearly drawn between rural lawmakers opposed to gun regulations and urban legislators who support them, suburban members are proving pivotal.
By week's end, opponents appeared to be rallying behind alternative proposals by House Majority Leader Richard Cranwell, D-Vinton. Cranwell, known for his prowess as a coalition builder, denied Friday that he was carrying the banner of the National Rifle Association. He said he was still undecided about how to vote on Wilder's handgun-a-month bill.
But opponents of that plan generally said they intend to back Cranwell's ideas: prohibiting gun sales to individuals until 30 days after they receive a Virginia driver's license, and requiring dealers to inform state police of multiple handgun sales. Currently, only the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is notified of multiple sales.
The driver's-license restriction is important because licenses routinely are used by gun buyers as proof of their Virginia residence.
Legislative sources said a possible compromise position - advocated by some Republicans - also is emerging. It would require people who want to make multiple handgun purchases to receive approval from local law enforcement officials. No bill has been introduced to that effect, but Wilder reportedly is considering the idea.
The governor, who is staking his success in this year's Assembly on the gun-control package, might not have to accept the compromise.
One of the chief backers of the handgun-a-month idea predicted Friday that it will pass the House. Lawmakers generally expect that approval in the Senate will be easier - senators are not on the ballot this year - and the gun bills might pass through that body first.
"It looks good. We're working on people, trying to get them to see the light," said Del. William Robinson, D-Norfolk, who last year introduced unsuccessful legislation to limit handgun purchases to two per month.
Five committee members are widely counted as firm opponents of the one-per-month limit. Among the 10 who say they'd vote for the plan are two Republicans, Randy Forbes of Chesapeake and Clinton Miller of Shenandoah County, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor.
Those who didn't give their position include three Republicans who may be waiting to see how their caucus is treated by Wilder and his allies in the negotiations. Several Hampton Roads Republicans have introduced their own package of bills, including stiffer penalties for gun crimes and tighter controls on driver's licenses and private gun sales.
Opponents of the handgun-a-month bill said they doubt that it will solve the gunrunning problem and that their constituents fear it will be a first step toward unreasonable restrictions on gun ownership.
"I have a problem with things that make you feel warm and fuzzy," said Del. John Davies, D-Culpeper. The limit "will make everybody think they've dealt with the problem when they haven't."
"I don't think limiting a family of four to 48 guns a year really solves anything," added Del. Tom Jackson, D-Hillsville, who said his rural constituents overwhelmingly oppose the bill.
"I've heard from more constituents than I've ever heard from anything else on," Jackson said. "Philosophically, they're afraid urban Virginia will ultimately decide that handguns will be banned."
On the other hand, supporters said gun-control groups are becoming a presence at the Assembly for the first time. "In years past, all the mail we got on gun issues was lopsided to the NRA's position. This year it's evening out," said Del. William Moore, D-Portsmouth.
Even opponents suggested that they are no longer anxious to be branded as water boys for the NRA. "I know there's an image out there of rural legislators with NRA pamphlets in their back pocket when they go to vote, and that's unfair," said Jackson, who said he is committed to working to stem the root causes of violence.
Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1993