SB 643: Firearm purchase requirements; penalties.
🔴 THREAT LEVEL: HIGH
BILL SNAPSHOT
Bill Number: SB 643
Bill Patron: Sen. Scott A. Surovell (D)
Bill Area: Second Amendment / Public Safety / Firearms Regulation
QUICK SUMMARY
SB643 requires Virginians to obtain a state-issued license/ permit before purchasing a firearm.
To qualify for the permit, individuals must be 21 or older, pass a background check, complete firearm training, and meet additional eligibility requirements. Firearms dealers would be prohibited from selling a gun unless the buyer has this license. The license would be valid for five years and could be revoked by the state.
RALLY ANALYSIS
SB 643 represents a major expansion of government control over lawful firearm ownership in Virginia. By creating a permit-to-purchase system, the bill adds new layers of bureaucracy, cost, and delay for citizens exercising a constitutional right.
While the bill is framed as a public safety measure, it places new burdens on law-abiding Virginians. The creation of a centralized database of licensed firearm purchasers also raises privacy and government overreach concerns.
Historically, permit-to-purchase laws have been used to restrict access rather than improve safety, especially impacting rural communities, working families, and individuals who need timely access to self-defense.
WHY THIS MATTERS
SB 643 shifts Virginia away from protecting individual liberties and toward pre-approval by the state, setting a concerning precedent. The bill:
- Creates a government “permission slip” for a constitutional right
- Delays and restricts lawful gun purchases
- Adds new costs and compliance hurdles for citizens and small firearm dealers
- Expands state databases of lawful gun owners
- Does not address violent criminals, who obtain firearms illegally
RALLY VERDICT: ❌ OPPOSE
SB 643 undermines Second Amendment rights, burdens law-abiding Virginians, and expands government control without clear evidence it will reduce crime. Rally Virginia stands for constitutional freedoms, personal responsibility, and common-sense public safety. This bill misses the mark!
RALLY RADAR — THREAT LEVEL LEGEND
⚫ CRITICAL THREAT — Immediate and severe harm; must be stopped
🔴 HIGH THREAT — Serious risk to safety, liberty, or governance
🟡 MODERATE THREAT — Concerning but limited scope
🟢 LOW THREAT — Minimal impact or symbolic
