Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, February 1, 1993 TAG: 9302010098
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
GUN BILLS AT A GLANCE
Dozens of bills to deal with mounting gun violence have been introduced in the General Assembly. Here are some of the most prominent.\ FROM GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION ON VIOLENT CRIME
\ Gun limits (House Bill 1592 and Senate Bill 670) Limits individuals to buying one handgun in a 30-day period. Exemptions would be in cases of loss or theft, estate sales, collector's series, antique guns, purchases by licensed firearms dealers, police and private security companies. State police would help set up guidelines.
\ Gun dealer reporting (House Bill 1602 and Senate Bill 675) Requires dealers to report the number and type of weapons being sold when they call the state police for a records check on gun buyers. Increases from 30 days to 12 months the time state police can retain records on sales and background check.
\ Juveniles (House Bill 1603 and Senate Bill 697) Prohibits juveniles from possessing a handgun. Exemptions: at home, lawful hunting, target shooting at a range, on duty with the National Guard.
\ Penalties for use of a firearm Both Democrats and Republicans have introduced a score of bills increasing the penalty for use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Wilder administration is reviewing data about the cost to the criminal justice system.
\ Other issues The task force package includes a dozen proposals on treatment of violent criminals, including juvenile offenders, and training of inmates.
\ REPUBLICAN ALTERNATIVES
\ A gun a month (Senate Bill 972) Limits individuals to buying one handgun in a 30-day period without restrictions. Unlimited exemptions so long as an individual presents one document establishing identity and two establishing residency to a local or state police officer.
\ Dealer reporting (Senate Bill 766) Requires dealers to report the number and type of weapons being sold to state police during a 16-month test period, July 1, 1993, through the end of 1994. State police would then report on the results of the record keeping.
\ Driver's licenses (House Bill 624) Requires any person receiving a Virginia driver's license to be a Virginia resident. (Senate Bills 803 and 807) Requires applicants for driver's licenses to establish age, Social Security number and Virginia residency.
\ Straw purchases (House Bill 2422 and Senate Bill 804) Sets a 2-year mandatory minimum penalty for individuals making straw purchases of guns. Senate bill also sets penalty for soliciting straw purchasers.
\ OTHERS
\ Limited purchases (House Bill 2016) Limits individuals to buying one handgun in any one calendar month. Exemptions: antique guns; commemorative editions; lost, stolen or inoperative guns; purchases by law enforcement agencies, private security businesses, and state and local facilities.
\ Dealer reporting (House Bills 1505 and 1538) Requires dealers to report the number of weapons to be sold when they call the state police for a records check.
\ Driver's licenses (House Bill 1399) Prohibits dealers from selling guns to an individual whose driver's license is less than 30 days old. (House Bill 1537) Prohibits gun sales until 60 days after a driver's license is issued.
\ Waiting period (House Bill 2272) Establishes a three-day waiting period for purchase of a firearm.