March 26, 2020
For immediate release

Covid-19 Crisis Demonstrates Why Concealed Carry Courses Should Remain Online

Springfield, VA – Gun Owners of America (GOA) is urging Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to reject legislation that prohibits online courses for concealed handgun permit requirements (HB 264).

“Short of implementing Constitutional Carry legislation, it is our first preference that Governor Northam veto the bill because another emergency could make it practically impossible for concealed carry applicants to obtain permits with in-person testing,” GOA Senior Vice President Erich Pratt said. “At the very least, he should amend the bill to allow for online testing in the event of another declared emergency.”

“A new health scare like Covid-19 or a weather disaster could make it very difficult for concealed carry applicants to undergo ‘in person testing’ to secure permits,” Pratt concluded. “So it would make common sense for the Governor to allow the option for online testing for concealed carry permits, especially during times of a declared emergency.”

GOA’s alert urging the Governor to veto or amend HB 264 can be read here.

Erich Pratt, or another GOA spokesperson, is available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.

— GOA —