An article published in Law Enforcement Today Magazine created a great deal of concern, not only by those that offer training in Virginia but by the training community in other areas of the US. There is a link to the article at the bottom of the post.
We (ISDA) decided to look into a bit further. What we found is that the Virginia Tactical Training Bill has been in existence for 32 years (1987). This is a link to the original law – § 18.2-433.2. Paramilitary activity prohibited.
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-433.2/
The Law Enforcement Today article is about an amendment to the 1987 law. (Senate Bill Number 64) The current bill adds a thirds paragraph which is – “Assembles with one or more persons with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons by drilling, parading, or marching with any firearm, any explosive or incendiary device, or any components or combination thereof,” to the existing law.
We are not lawyers; if you are an EP training provider working in Virginia, we would suggest you have a lawyer look at the proposed change.
This is the original article
An article from Law enforcement Today – The State of Virginia is going to attempt to outlaw firearm training. There is fear if the bill passes that it will be picked up by other states. Will this affect EP Training? Those that offer training in Virginia, what are your thoughts?
This is the proposed Virginia Tactical Training Bill
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+ful+SB64+hil