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Subcommittee advances bill to allow concealed carry at highway rest areas to full committee
Summary
HB 2412, which would allow concealed firearms at highway rest areas, was advanced by the firearms subcommittee after sponsor amendment; the bill was tabled for procedural referral (PBI) on a vote of 4–3.
Delegate Griffin presented HB 2412, offering an amendment in the nature of a substitute that would allow the carrying of concealed firearms at highway rest areas.
“Rest stops are open at all hours, especially nighttime,” Delegate Griffin said, arguing travelers who stop at rest areas can be vulnerable and may need to defend themselves. Supporters including Taylor McKee of the National Rifle Association and Patricia Webb said incidents at rest areas and limited law-enforcement presence justify allowing carry there. Philip Van Cleve of the Virginia Citizens Defense League cited state police data and historical incidents as reasons to lift the restriction.
Opponents questioned the bill’s scope and reading of the code. Andrew Goddard of the Virginia Center for Public Safety said the existing prohibition may apply only to buildings at rest areas and not to parking lots, depending on placarding. Christine Payne of the League of Women Voters, Laurie Haas, and David Mills of Giffords testified in opposition, expressing concerns about safety and urging retention of restrictions on state buildings.
After extensive testimony from in-person and online speakers, the subcommittee moved to “PBI” (pass by indefinitely); the clerk recorded the bill as tabled on a vote of 4–3.
Votes at a glance: HB 2412 was tabled (PBI) 4–3.
