RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A bill introduced by Senator Tim Kaine would not require background checks, but does say gun sellers can be held liable if they don’t do a reasonable job determining if the person they’re selling to can legally own a gun.
“This would cover everything and I think it’s a very well thought out idea,” said Andy Goddard, who’s son was shot four times and survived the tragedy at Virginia Tech.
He’s been working for years on gun laws and says the bill makes sense.
“They should remain responsible right up until the time that that gun is sold,” he said. “That responsibility to make sure the gun goes to somebody who’s entitled to have it.”
Goddard says current laws do nothing to hold private and online sellers accountable.
“The idea that you can get away with selling a gun to somebody without asking then just turn around and say ‘oh I didn’t know’,” Goddard said.
“It’s just a big useless difficult to apply law,” added David Hancock of Bob Moates Sports Shop.
Hancock says the bill is too broad and would be difficult to apply. He says it’s unreasonable to determine what is and isn’t a reasonable effort on checking into a potential buyer.
Hancock says he believes anyone could be charged under the bill as it’s written.
“I think it’s another feel good law,” Hancock said. “It’s supposed to make you think somebody’s doing something to help you and they’re not.”
Hancock says most gun sellers are doing the right thing, and this bill wouldn’t stop criminals from selling illegally.
“Bottom line a criminal is going to be a criminal. People selling guns on the streets, they’re criminals themselves.”
