February 23, 2012

The Virginia House of Delegates has reaffirmed its support for repealing the state's one-handgun-a-month law.

The House voted 64-32 Wednesday to pass the Senate version of legislation striking the 1993 law, which was enacted to curb the flow of guns from Virginia to cities in the Northeast. The House version of the bill already has passed both chambers and is in the hands of Gov. Bob McDonnell, who is expected to sign it.

Democratic Del. Patrick Hope of Arlington County said on the House floor that most Virginians want to keep the one-handgun limit in place.

But Republican Del. Scott Lingamfelter of Prince William County said background checks that have been developed in recent years provide adequate protection.