Virginia Constitutional Carry Bill Defeated In Richmond Senate By Tiebreaking Vote

posted on February 3, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Legislation that would have made Virginia the eighth state to not require a permit or license for citizens to carry concealed firearms was defeated in the Virginia Senate Monday with a tiebreaking vote by Democrat Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam. 

All 19 Democrats in the Senate voted against Senate Bill 48, and all but one Republican senator voted for it, creating a 20-to-20 deadlock that was broken by Northam’s vote. The Constitutional Carry bill would have allowed any person who is otherwise eligible to obtain a concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun without a permit anywhere he may lawfully carry a handgun openly within Virginia.

Use Your Power!

Virginia residents, find out how your state senator voted on this important bill. Then contact him or her to voice your support or opposition to their vote here.

Latest

The Armed Citizen
The Armed Citizen

The Armed Citizen® February 18, 2026

A man in his 70s was in his home in Jacksonville, Fla., shortly after lunchtime on Nov. 18, 2025, when an intruder broke in through a back window and demanded his keys and valuables.

The “L” in NRA-ILA Refers to Legislation, But Litigation is also Critically Important

Latest legislative news from inside the NRA Institute for Legislative Action

Video Interview: Buck Sexton Calls Gun Control a “Manufactured Delusion”

Buck Sexton, the radio host and author, has a new book out titled Manufacturing Delusion—How the Left Uses Brainwashing, Indoctrination, And Propaganda Against You. As Sexton is an ardent Second Amendment advocate and an NRA-certified firearms instructor, we decided to ask him if gun control is a manufactured delusion.

President’s Column | NRA 2.0 Transformations

As reported on Oct. 31, 2025, the NRA announced a major internal reorganization to modernize and increase efficiencies. This reorganization marked the first step in our effort to modernize and improve operations.

Standing Guard | The NRA Stands And Fights For Freedom

Every company, great or small, needs a realignment now and then. But, when a company has been around for nearly 155 glorious years, straightening the course can take a full reformation.

DOJ Civil Rights Division’s New Second Amendment Section Hits the Ground Running

Just over a year ago, a hostile federal executive branch had gun owners under siege on all fronts.

Interests



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.