SD9 - Firearms and Ammunition

  • Published: 1988
  • Author: Virginia State Crime Commission

Executive Summary:
The Honorable Gerald L. Baliles, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, signed into law HB 830, of the 1987 General Assembly, which, as of January 1, 1987, prohibits any county, city, or town ordinance which governs "the purchase, possession, transfer, ownership, carrying, or transporting firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof other than those expressly authorized by statute." In his March 20, 1987 letter to Senator Elmon T. Gray, chairman of the Crime Commission, Governor Baliles noted there exists a number of complex issues raised by the law enforcement community and concerned citizens related to firearms and ammunition which appear to pose extraordinary threats to the safety of law enforcement and the general public. Governor Baliles also requested that the Commission make a comprehensive assessment of these issues and noted armor piercing ammunition and plastic firearms as two obvious examples. (Appendix A).

Section 9-125 of the Code of Virginia establishes and directs the Virginia State Crime Commission (VSCC) "to study, report and make recommendations on all areas of public safety and protection." Section 9-127 of the Code of Virginia provides that "The Commission shall have the duty and power to make such studies and gather information and data in order to accomplish its purposes as set forth in § 9-125. . ., and to formulate its recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly." Section 9-134 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the Commission "to conduct private and public hearings, and to designate a member of the Commission to preside over such hearings." The VSCC, in fulfilling its legislative mandate, undertook the Firearms and Ammunition Study as requested by Governor Baliles.