Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 16, 1993 TAG: 9302160179
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: JOAN MUNFORD
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
HANDGUN LIMIT NO CURE
The legislation that has stirred most of the public's interest and generated strong, emotional floor debates centered on the recommendations of the Governor's Commission of Violent Crime. Most of the attention focused on the measure to limit handgun purchases to one a month.Many people saw this bill as a "cure" for violent crime. I did not agree and voted against the measure. This bill will allow my husband and I to purchase 24 handguns a year. I do not see how this in any way would have an effect on violent crime in Virginia or even in the proliferation of firearms within our society.
You can not cure cancer with a Band-Aid. This legislation is simply a symbolic move with strong emotional appeal that ignores many of the real problems. Had I honestly believed that this bill would have reduced violent crime, I would have given it my full support.
We did consider a number of related bills that I supported wholeheartedly because I believe that they will contribute positively to reducing violent crime. I voted in favor of:
Banning the sale of the 12-shot, semiautomatic shotguns, commonly known as "street sweepers."
Prohibiting the sale of firearms to anyone who had obtained a Virginia driver's license within 60 days before the purchase.
Requiring firearms dealers to include information on the number and type of firearms sold in their records.
Making possession of a firearm by a minor a felony, except when engaged in hunting or accompanied by an adult en route to a shooting range.
Raising from two to four years the prison term for use of a firearm in commission of a felony. The term for second convictions would be six years.
Placing a juvenile's conviction for carrying a concealed weapon on their record when they become an adult.
Increasing the penalty for anyone found guilty of "trafficking" in firearms.
Requiring a 30-day notice to state or local police by anyone wishing to conduct a firearms show.
The Senate also approved similar measures and I am confident that these measures will be enacted into law.
I think the General Assembly has made a significant effort to impose severe penalties for violent offenders. However, until we address the underlying societal problems that breed crime, I am afraid that we will continue to build more prisons and spend more money to incarcerate offenders.
Because the House and Senate passed different versions of the one-gun-a-month bill, it is still unclear what version may be enacted. The two bills probably will go to a conference committee to develop a compromise version, which both bodies will then vote on. I truly appreciate the hundreds of letters and calls I received, both supporting and opposing the gun control measure.
We now have only two weeks remaining in this year's session of the General Assembly. We still must complete work on the budget and the remaining Senate legislation.
Your views are important. Call me at (804) 786-8425, or write to me at P.O. Box 406, Richmond, Va. 23203.
Joan Munford, D-Blacksburg, is a veteran member of Virginia House of Delegates. She represents Blacksburg and parts of Montgomery and Giles counties.