Law Change Makes Concealed Weapon Permit Easier to Obtain in Clarke County(VA)

clarkedailynews.com ^ | 24 August, 2012 | Edward Leonard

[marktwain]

Concealed weapons are now a little easier to carry in Clarke County and Virginia thanks to a change made the Commonwealth’s General Assembly during its latest legislative session. The law change, which removes fingerprint print submission as part of the concealed weapon permit process, means that local sheriff and police departments now can only require applicants to submit documents when applying for a license to carry a concealed handgun.

“This is an example of the Dillon Rule in action,” said Supervisor Chairman Michael Hobert. “As a Dillon Rule state, localities only have the authority to enact rules expressly authorized by the Commonwealth. We had been allowed to require fingerprints prior to this change but now the Commonwealth has taken the authority to do so away.”

[marktwain]

Fingerprints are just another timeconsuming waste of resources to give the impression that the state can prevent criminals from obtaining weapons.

There are several states that do not require fingerprints to obtain concealed carry permits, and there are now four states that do not require permits in order to carry concealed weapons (constitutional carry). Those states are Alaska, Arizona, Wyoming, and Vermont. 12 other states are considering the removal of the laws forbiding concealed carry without a permit.

The only effect of requiring fingerprints is to reduce the number of people who choose to obtain a permit, because of the additional cost and difficulty.

Virginia is moving in the right direction.

[vet7279]

...additional cost and difficulty

Sounds a liberal complaining about Voter ID's.... I just had fingerprints done and it cost $10 and took about 5 mins at the local police station. I think this is a stupid decision. If the County of Clarke wants this law for their community the state needs to keep their nose out of it, just like the BO needs to keep his nose out of state issues.

[Oatka]

There are several states that do not require fingerprints to obtain concealed carry permits, and there are now four states that do not require permits in order to carry concealed weapons (constitutional carry). Those states are Alaska, Arizona, Wyoming, and Vermont

I'm glad you qualified Arizona wth "Constitutional Carry". In order to carry in other states, I opted to get a license, which does require fingerprints. I live north of the Grand Canyon, so had to go to Mesquite, NV to be printed. No big deal and only $5.00. What I did find interesting is that they took the prints of my right hand three middle fingers even though AZ didn't require it. Must be some Nevada law. Was surprised they didn't take a palm print.