Del. Luke Torian

The Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety in the House of Delegates voted down Delegate Luke Torian’s (D-Woodbridge) bill to discontinue the online class and testing requirement for receiving a Virginia Concealed Carry Permit (CCP) on Jan. 17.

Delegate Torian represents Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, and Woodbridge in House District 52.

During the hearing, Torian discussed the need for a face-to-face process for those who desire to carry a concealed handgun.

“First of all I am an avid supporter of the second amendment. This legislation is not about being anti-gun… [with the current online testing process] we have some people who will pick up a gun and have no idea what they are doing.”

Torian’s bill would require those who desire a Virginia CCP to go to a class and physically see and understand the safety and accident-prevention measures CCP holders have to understand before they receive their permit.

“I want the people who get a CCP to see and hold a gun before they get a permit,” Torian said in his office following the hearing, “this is about safety and accountability.”

Torian called the current online test, which entails watching a short video and answering several questions “ridiculously easy.” He went on to say, “if gun owners can go to a shop to buy their guns and ammo, then they can go to the shop to take a short class on how to handle their gun properly.”

Andrew Goddard, President of The Virginia Center for Public Safety, testified in the hearing that he had received his concealed carry permit online without ever holding a handgun.

One Million Moms for Gun Control and Loris Hass of Virginians for Responsible Gun Laws spoke in favor of the bill and stressed the need for safe gun ownership.

Torian vowed to continue to support measures to ensure that the process for obtaining a concealed handgun involves relevant training beyond what is currently required while also also protesting responsible gun ownership.

For the 2013 session, Delegate Torian is a member of the General Laws; Counties, Cities and Towns; and Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources committees. This is his second term in the House of Delegates.

By: NOVA Fortnightly Staff

Stay updated by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.