Va. Concealed Weapon Bill Goes to Governor

By Jackson McMillan

Capital News Service

RICHMOND – A bill providing retired employees of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles an exemption from being required to obtain a concealed weapon permit was unanimously passed by the House of Delegates this week and now awaits Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s signature.

Senate Bill 279, introduced by Sen. John Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, would amend Section 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia to allow retired employees of the DMV’s Law Enforcement Division the same concealed weapons permit exemptions enjoyed by Virginia State Police, Capitol Police, and local law enforcement retirees.

The DMV’s Law Enforcement Division “investigates all complaints against dealers … driver license and title fraud, odometer fraud, misuse of dealer plates and temporary tags, curbstoning , sales and use tax evasion, and motor vehicle theft,” according to a summary on DMV’s website.

“Almost every other law enforcement person in the commonwealth – once they retire – is entitled to carry a concealed permit and I felt that for some reason were left out,” Cosgrove said. “This bill just puts DMV personnel in the same posture [as other law enforcement.]”

Eric Korn, owner of American Firearms Training, an organization dedicated to firearm safety and proficiency, said retired law enforcement personnel deserve this exemption because of their service to the public.

“There’s a pretty good reason have this right,” Korn said. “ did a service to the state that puts them directly at odds with dangerous people. Individuals that were in conflict with dangerous people for their careers deserve the right to be able to defend themselves in retirement.”

If SB279 is signed into law by McAuliffe, officers with the DMV Law Enforcement Division who resign in good standing from their position will be permitted to carry a concealed firearm, provided the individual carries with them “written proof of consultation with and favorable review of the need to carry a concealed handgun issued by the chief law-enforcement officer” from the agency from which they resigned.