Delegate Charles W. Carrico, Sr. has introduced House Bill 69 (HB69) in the Virginia Legislature. The bill, known as the Firearms Freedom Act, “Declares that firearms, firearms accessories, and ammunition made in Virginia and retained within the borders of Virginia are not subject to federal law or regulation under the authority of Congress to regulate interstate commerce.”

Virginia joins New Hampshire, Missouri, Utah and a number of other states considering such legislation. Montana and Tennessee have already passed similar bills into law.

As previously reported here, while the FFA’s title focuses on federal gun regulations, it has far more to do with the 10th Amendment’s limit on the power of the federal government. The bills in state houses contain language such as the following:

“federal laws and regulations do not apply to personal firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition that is manufactured in [this state] and remains in [state]. The limitation on federal law and regulation stated in this bill applies to a firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition that is manufactured using basic materials and that can be manufactured without the inclusion of any significant parts imported into this state.”

The Virginia House of Delegates is back in session on January 13, 2010.

Click here to track all current Firearms Freedom Act legislation

Michael Boldin