Howell's 'Gun Show Loophole Bill' Dies in Committee

A Virginia Senate bill co-sponsored by Sen. Janet Howell (D-Reston) that would close the "gun-show loophole" allowing people to purchase firearms at gun shows without a background check died in committee Wednesday.

The committee voted 8-7 to stop SB 1001 from going forward.

Howell, whose district includes Tysons Corner and parts of Vienna and Oakton, had touted the bill in several town halls even before the session began, trying to garner public scupport.

Tighter gun control laws were also a cause she took on in last year's session.

Lawmakers were were unable to work out an acceptable compromise, even after Sen. William Stanley (R-Franklin County) said last week he would work with Sens. Henry Marsh (D-Richmond) and Don McEachin (D-Henrico) to reach a deal.

Stanley said after working since then to come up with an acceptable measure, he told colleagues on the Senate Courts of Justice Committee that while he is close to crafting a measure, he doesn't feel the details can be worked out this session, the Newport News Daily Press reported.

Stanely said he will alter the bill and present a new one next year that would be more likely to make it into law. 

Marsh's bill would have required firearms sales at gun shows to go through a licensed dealer only, but private sellers could consign their guns to those dealers.

Howell called the delay "unconscionable," the Daily Press reported.

"We've had untold tragedies that still break our hearts when we think about them," Howell said. "And yet we're letting people get guns without any background checks. It's untenable; it's unconscionable. Delaying another year makes absolutely no sense at all."