Virginia: Committee Unanimously Passes Concealed Carry Online Training Extension Bill

[Charlie T Waite]

Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed House Bill 2310 with a vote of 15-0. It allows those who have already taken online firearms training prior to January 1^st, 2021, to use it towards their carry permit application for a limited amount of time. HB 2310 previously passed the House with an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 81-17. Please contact your state senator and ask them to SUPPORT HB 2310.

House Bill 2310, sponsored by Delegate Chris Runion (R-25), allows individuals who completed online firearms training prior to January 1^st, 2021, but were prohibited from appearing in person at their circuit court clerk’s office due to COVID restrictions, to apply for a concealed handgun permit through April 30^th, 2021. Individuals who previously contacted their clerk are eligible and should keep their documentation. Should this bill pass, it will go into effect immediately upon being signed by the governor, leaving a short window of opportunity for citizens to make use of these provisions.

The ban on using online firearms training to satisfy the training requirement for a concealed handgun permit went into effect January 1^st, 2021. This change was imposed at an inopportune time. Increased demand due to these times of uncertainty, and state restrictions on gatherings and on indoor shooting ranges due to the pandemic, led many to turn towards online training in order to exercise a constitutional right.

Again, please contact your state senator and ask them to SUPPORT HB 2310.