Gun Policy for Virginia
I. Issue/Cause for Address
Gun Regulation laws are nothing new when it comes to American politics. Means of storage regulation, nationwide selling, a low rate of background checks and requirements necessary in order to obtain a firearm are a few reasons why it is important to understand American history but also how firearms impact lives. Armed weapons have historically been utilized for hunting and self-protection, with many American Colonies requiring heads of households to carry and obtain personal firearms. These firearms were mainly used as protection methods from individuals of color as the right of people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed upon as stated by the Second Amendment.
However, school shootings have become far too normalized. Individuals tune into the news and hear of another shooting on school grounds, stating that another event has occurred, leaving students, educators, faculty, and parents in paralyzing fear of what these incidents could mean for students’ futures. There have been a total of 83 school shootings within the last year, 2024. Gun control and regulation policies are meant to keep individuals safe, not open up the doorway for more to access firearms and weapons. Gun violence is not a new epidemic for United States citizens. This widely contributes to the overall health, wellbeing, and environment of educational facilities, as well as one’s daily life. Gun violence continues to be normalized and overlooked, costing lives. Media fails to provide the potential danger, and proper storing mechanisms and usage of firearms, putting lives at risk.
I. The Research in which SAN has conducted to contribute, from a neutral standpoint, a stance on Gun Policies within the State of Virginia
Virginia State Laws emphasize that a state permit is not required to purchase or possess a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. It is a crime for anyone to sell or give a handgun to a minor, as they should not possess one. However, the National Rifle Association (NRA-ILA), states that this prohibition does not apply to a minor in their own home or on their own property while accompanied by an adult. Virginia Law currently provides a minimum sentence of 1 year in jail for anyone who has purchased a gun with the intent to deliver or transfer the weapon to someone who is ineligible to purchase one. If there is one more firearm involved within this transfer purchase, a minimum sentence is 5 years in prison.
In order to purchase a rifle or shotgun, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and in order to purchase a handgun, one must be at least 21. Any United States Citizen who is a lawful permanent resident is eligible to purchase a firearm. In Virginia, to purchase a firearm, you must provide valid identification such as a DMV issued driver’s license, no permit necessary, and the completion and passing of a background check. Virginia has certain concealed carry requirements and restrictions recognized by the state police which require permits within certain limits and situations.
Virginia has had 54 mass shootings since the year 2020 and guns are the number one leading cause of death within juveniles and youth. A recent high-profile mass shooting occurred when six people were killed by a Walmart employee in Chesapeake, Virginia in November 2022. These stories are nothing new to the lives of Virginia residents, as in April of 2007, Virginia Tech University faced a mass school shooting wherein over 30 students and faculty were killed. Additionally, at the University of Virginia in November of 2022, three students’ lives were taken as well as the induced injuries of two other individuals while leaving a theater performance in Washington D.C. Law enforcement regulations, mental health, and gun legislation laws have since become at the forefront of the lives of Virginia students and faculty.
III. The stance taken by Students Act Now (continuously being built upon and
addressed)
The main objective of this policy is to create a balanced, fair, and effective approach to gun regulation within the state of Virginia. Ultimately reducing gun violence, ensuring public safety, and maintaining responsible gun ownership whilst respecting the Second Amendment rights of all citizens. By strengthening background checks and updating individual histories in order to reflect important data such as histories, regarding mental health and criminal data. Another important framework to implement is proper storage requirements, required evaluations and tracking regarding gun sales and transfers that are within compliance of state and federal laws.
Through firearm possession, there should be educational programs required in order to obtain and own a firearm, such as statewide initiatives that focus on how to properly store, handle, and the risks that come along with owning a firearm and how to speak to other household residents about having a firearm within the residence. By implementing important resources and teachings within firearm ownership and understanding the means by which must be taken to obtain a firearm is the first step to creating an environment wherein individual’s lives are protected and safety is ensured without fluctuating.
Last revised: 1/03/2025
IV. References
Charles, P. J. (2017). Second Amendment | Contents, Supreme Court Interpretations, & History. In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Second-Amendment
Firearms/Concealed Weapons FAQ – Virginia State Police. (2025). Virginia.gov.https://vsp.virginia.gov/services/firearms/faq
Gun Control | Pros, Cons, Debate, Arguments, Firearms, Laws, Safety, Gun Rights, & Death. (2000). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/procon/gun-controldebate
Investigation Remain Ongoing into Shooting Incident at University of Virginia – Virginia State Police. (2022). Virginia.gov. https://vsp.virginia.gov/investigation-remainsongoing-into-shooting-incident-at-university-of-virginia/
Matthews, A., O’Kruk, A., & Choi, A. (2024, March 7). School Shootings in the US: Fast Facts. CNN; CNN. https://www.cnn.com/us/school-shootings-fast-facts-dg/index.htmlNRA-ILA. (2016).
NRA-ILA | Virginia Gun Laws. NRA-ILA.
https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/virginia/ Virginia.
(2024, September 9). Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund.
https://actionfund.sandyhookpromise.org/in-your-state/virginia/Virginia Gun Control Laws. (n.d.). Findlaw.
https://www.findlaw.com/state/virginialaw/virginia-gun-control-laws.html