Action | Amend Requirements for Carrying Handguns in State Forests |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 4/16/2010 |
How can the State Forest ban concealed carry by licensed permit holders? Only the General Assembly has the authority to restrict the places where concealed weapons may be carried, and there is no provision in the law that restructs carry in State Forests. The Forest Department regulations do not have the force of law, and they cannot over-ride the permission granted under the provisions of the law. Such a regulation, if in fact it exists, is null and void on its face. A licensee may carry almost anywhere, state forests included, unless prohbitied by the provisions of the Code of Virginia. Even the DGIF has no authority to prohibt licensed concealed carry, let alone the Forestry Department.