1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am writing to you today as a concerned resident of Springfield, VA to urge you to reconsider the current language of SB749, specifically regarding the absence of a grandfather clause for gun magazines. While I understand the intent behind legislative efforts to address public safety, the "no grandfathering" provision in this bill poses significant challenges for law-abiding Virginians that must be addressed to ensure fairness and feasibility. One of my concerns is the substantial financial burden this specific clause would place on citizens. Magazines are not inexpensive components, and for many law-abiding owners, the cost of replacing their entire inventory to comply with SB749 would easily reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Requiring citizens to absorb such a high cost to remain in compliance with new regulations, without any protection for property legally acquired, is an unreasonable expectation that disproportionately affects those with limited disposable income. Furthermore, by failing to include a grandfather clause, SB749 would effectively criminalize a massive portion of the Virginia population overnight. With approximately 45% of Virginians being gun owners, this bill would turn thousands of otherwise law-abiding residents into criminals for possessing property that was legally purchased and owned for years. This approach risks alienating a significant segment of the community and creates a legal environment that is incredibly difficult for the average citizen to navigate. Finally, the lack of a grandfather clause in SB749 presents a significant hurdle for law enforcement. It is simply not feasible to enforce a retroactive ban on items that are already in wide circulation and lack individual serial numbers or registration requirements. Attempting to do so would strain our state's resources and likely lead to inconsistent application of the law across the Commonwealth. I respectfully ask that you reconsider the current language of SB749 and ensure that a grandfather clause is included to protect the rights and property of law-abiding Virginians.