Sen. Richard Saslaw [D]

Summary
Firearms; criminal history record information checks; age Firearms; criminal history record information checks; age requirement; penalty. Provides that a person must be at least 21 years old, or must be at least 18 years old by the effective date of the bill, to purchase a firearm. The bill requires a background check for any firearm transfer and requires the Department of State Police to establish a process for transferors of firearms to obtain such a check from licensed firearms dealers. A transferor who fails to obtain a required background check and transfers the firearm to another person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts certain transfers from the required background check. The bill removes the provision that makes background checks of prospective purchasers or transferees at firearms shows voluntary. The bill also provides that any person who recklessly leaves a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of any person under the age of 18 is guilty of a Class 6 felony and that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person knowingly to authorize a child under the age 18 to use a firearm except when the person is under the supervision of an adult. Current law provides that any person who recklessly leaves a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of any child under the age of 14 is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and it is a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person knowingly to authorize a child under the age 12 to use a firearm except when the person is under the supervision of an adult. The bill also raises the age from 18 to 21 for any person to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a handgun or assault firearm anywhere in the

https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/SB18/2020

Important to keep these on the cusp of conversation.