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I wanted to wait until the legislative season was over and things quieted down to ask everyone to send a quick email to Governor Bob McDonnell thanking him for his support during this year's legislative session.
The Governor signed the following bills:
* Restaurant ban repeal
* Container/Compartment carry in motor vehicles and vessels
* Circuit Court Clerks being able to issue CHPs
* Renewals through the mail
* Elementary schools having the ability to teach firearms safety classes
He came under attack by the press and some police chiefs on the restaurant ban repeal, but stood his ground.
In addition, and at VCDL's request, he sent the container/compartment bill back to the General Assembly, removing the original "locked" requirement and changed it to a "secured" requirement. The General Assembly accepted that change and we got an even better law!
There is much work to be done still, including repealing the current ban on open carry in State Parks, DGIF lands, and National Forests (all of which only allow concealed carry currently), and both open and concealed carry in Virginia State Forests. I have been told that the Governor said on Tuesday's "Ask the Governor" radio show that he will be working on those items.
VCDL has been in touch with the Governor's office on a host of other items, and I will update you as various things progress.
ACTION ITEM
To send the Governor a web mail, click here:
Suggested subject: Thank you for signing gun bills into law!
Suggested message:
Thank you for signing the pro-gun bills that made it to your desk this year, especially the restaurant ban repeal!
I also appreciate that you removed the "locked" provision in the motor vehicle compartment/container bills.
I urge you to direct State Parks, State Forests, and DGIF to end the prohibition on both open and concealed carry on the lands they control.