Looks like one of our 10th Amendment bills is being intentionally stuffed in a drawer. The Firearm Freedom Act, HB69, was referred to the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, which is NOT a favorable committee for us. It contains an overwhelming majority of Democrats and moderate Republicans. The Committee is made up of 10 Democrats and 5 Republicans. It looks like the Committee has it set up to die a quiet death. If we could get a vote on the bill, we could probably count on Hurt, Obenshain, and McDougle. All other senators are questionable.

Tomorrow is the last day for this bill to be added to the Committee docket. So far the Committee has refused to put this bill on the docket. We believe they want to let it die a quiet death in committee without a vote. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN!! Make them at least vote and be accountable!

Of the Democrats, Marsh, Saslaw, Howell, Lucas, Puller, McEachin, and Petersen probably won’t give it the time of day. Senators Edwards, Reynolds, and Deeds are our best shots. These are from big gun districts. If we get these three Democrats plus the five Republicans, we win the committee vote. This will be extremely difficult. We need all hands on deck now!!!!

Contacts:
Senator McDougle (R) / 698-7504 / district04@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Norment (R) / 698-7503 / district03@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Quayle (R) / 698-7513 / district13@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Edwards (D) / 698-7521 / district21@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Reynolds (D) / 698-7520 / district20@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Deeds (D) / 698-7525 / district25@senate.virginia.gov

HB69 has now been referred to the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, which is NOT a favorable committee for us. It contains an overwhelming majority of Democrats and moderate Republicans. The Committee is made up of 10 Democrats and 5 Republicans (with only one true conservative). We can probably count on Hurt, Obenshain, and probably McDougle. We must seek the support of Senator Norment and Senator Quayle, who are not a sure thing.

IF THE BILL DOES NOT PASS THIS COMMITTEE…….IT DIES AND WILL NOT GO TO THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE FOR A VOTE !!

Of the Democrats, Marsh, Saslaw, Howell, Lucas, Puller, McEachin, and Petersen probably won’t give it the time of day. Senators Edwards, Reynolds, and Deeds are our best shots. If we get these three Democrats plus the five Republicans, we win the committee vote. This will be extremely difficult. We need all hands on deck now!!!!

This committee meets on Mondays and Wednesdays. The bill is NOT on the docket for Monday but could come up as soon as Wednesday, February 24, at 2 p.m. in Senate Room “A”of the General Assembly Building. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, please be on standby to attend. NUMBERS MATTER! If you would like to speak at the Committee, you are urged to do so.

If you cannot attend, please, please, please, write/email the committee members ASAP. These bills come up quickly and we are always on short notice.

Contacts:

Senator McDougle (R) / 698-7504 / district04@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Norment (R) / 698-7503 / district03@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Quayle (R) / 698-7513 / district13@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Edwards (D) / 698-7521 / district21@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Reynolds (D) / 698-7520 / district20@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Deeds (D) / 698-7525 / district25@senate.virginia.gov