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Bill to add US Law Shield to approved concealed-carry training and let state police list courses passes by indefinitely 5-4
Summary
HB 2767 would add US Law Shield and permit the Virginia State Police to list qualifying concealed-handgun training courses on its website; the subcommittee passed the bill by indefinitely 5-4 after supporters and critics debated naming private providers in statute.
Delegate Obershein presented House Bill 2767 to expand the list of qualifying safety and training courses for Virginia concealed-handgun permits and to allow the Virginia State Police to list approved providers on the agency website.
The patron said HB 2767 "adds US law shield, as well as other courses, training courses designated by the Virginia State Police and listed on the state website." The bill would add a named private provider, US Law Shield, to the statute and also include a catch-all for courses recognized by the state police.
Supporters including Philip Van Cleve of the Virginia Citizens Defense League said the change would broaden training access, particularly in rural areas. Councilman Johnson of the City of Franklin, speaking both as a local official and jail board chair, told the committee his officers receive extensive firearms training and "training is necessary when you're handling a weapon, of that nature. So I strongly support this bill." Patricia Webb and Vic Nichols also testified in support.
Opponents and some committee members urged caution about naming private organizations in statute. Andrew Goddard of the Virginia Center for Public Safety recommended striking specific organizational names from code and instead letting the state police determine acceptable courses. Another witness argued generally against listing private entities in the code and recommended delegating recognition to state agencies.
Delegate Helmer proposed a prospective amendment to remove the National Rifle Association from the list while preserving other additions; the bill’s patron declined that proposed friendly amendment. Committee members asked whether US Law Shield is primarily an insurance program; the patron replied that US Law Shield provides both insurance/legal coverage and safety-training courses.
After debate, a motion to pass HB 2767 by indefinitely carried on a recorded vote of 5 to 4. The clerk announced, "HB 2,767 has passed by indefinitely on a vote of 5 to 4."
