| Action | Amend Requirements for Carrying Handguns in State Forests |
| Stage | NOIRA |
| Comment Period | Ended on 7/8/2009 |
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I support the new regulation, but I am asking for a hearing on allowing for the open carry of handguns State Forests. That would bring State Forests into compliance with a formal opinion (08-043) published in September 2008 by the Virginia Attorney General.
The proposed amendment to allow only legally concealed firearms would violate Article 1, Section 14 of the Virginia Constitution by denying citizens a uniform government. It would further violate Article 1, Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution which prohibits state agencies from usurping or interfering with the rights to keep and bear arms. There is no permit required protection under these Constitutional provisions.
