Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Legislation was introduced in the House of Delegates this week which gives Virginia the opportunity to become the 26th constitutional carry state in the Union.
The legislation was prefiled January 10, 2023, by Delegate Nick Freitas (R).
Upon filing the legislation, Freitas noted the current legal framework in Virginia, one which allows the open carry of firearms without a permit but punishes the same permitless carry if the gun is covered (concealed) by a coat or jacket. Constitutional carry would mean a law-abiding citizen could carry a handgun for self-defense openly or concealed without a permit.
He tweeted: "In Virginia, you can open carry as is your constitutional right. But if you put a jacket over your firearm or place it in your purse you have broken the law. It's time to join 25 other states and pass constitutional carry in VA."
The summary of Freitas’ legislation, House Bill No. 1801, says, “A BILL to amend and reenact § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia, relating to carrying a concealed handgun; permit not required.”
Constitutional carry is currently the law of the land in 25 states. Those states are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.