Why Jim Scott (D) Concurred On Deferring House Gun Bill

The Republican majority in the Virginia House of Delegates, despite emotional testimony from family and victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy, forced a deferral of a bill designed to close the so-called gun show loophole in Virginia gun laws.  More from Fairfax Times here.  The bill was part of a series of gun law reforms recommended by the public task force investigating the shootings at Virginia Tech last April, and was supported by Gov. Kaine (D). 

The votes were originally along party lines.  Del. Jim Scott (D), who represents Falls Church City and parts of Merrifield, changed his vote to concur with the majority in order to preserve the ability to reconsider the bill in House committee.  A motion to reconsider may only be made by a member voting in the majority.  Del. Poisson (D - Fairfax) did the same thing. 

Falls Church City unanimously recommended passage of a bill closing the gun show loophole in its 2008 legislative package.  Council Member Hal Lippman has been in Richmond to monitor progress on the City's legislative agenda.