Committee advances bill to set industry standards for firearms manufacturers and sellers

The House Committee on Public Safety voted to report House Bill 1608, a measure that would establish industry standards for firearms manufacturers and sellers in Virginia.

"In front of us is House Bill 1608, industry standards for firearms manufacturers and sellers bill," Delegate Helmer told the committee. He said the bill would establish standards and allow liability for manufacturers or sellers who "mis-sell, misrepresent, or conduct misconduct in terms of the trafficking or manufacturer of firearms." He urged members to vote their view of imposing such liability.

The chair reminded members that the bill had received extensive subcommittee hearings in the prior year and that no substantive changes were proposed. The committee reported the bill to the House by a roll-call vote of 11 in favor and 8 opposed.

No public testimony was recorded in the transcript during this session. The measure now moves to the House floor for further consideration.