Until about mid-week, it appeared that we had agreement on amendments which would make the Governor's bill less draconian. The the Governor's office began some very serious arm twisting and agreed upon language was off the table. It was not until 5:00 pm on Thursday that we actually received a copy of the revised language. We stayed late with pro-Second Amendment members of the House Judiciary Committee crafting amendments to the new language of the bill. (At the same time the anti-2A members were able to attend a previously scheduled Committee party. Last Friday, Speaker Busch allowed the House to adjourn for Passover. The Speaker refused to allow the same recognition of Good Friday, these actions appeared to be intentional to place the pro-2A Delegates at as much of a disadvantage as possible)

During the the voting session for SB 281, Delegate Mike Smigiel offered an amendment which would have required that violent criminals convicted of crimes involving firearms serve there entire sentences with no "good time" credits that result in early release.

The amendment passed 23-22. However, in a move that was nothing short of outrageous, Committee Chairman Vallario allowed an unprecedented re-vote. Despite protests from Delegate Smigiel, a "re-vote" was held and this time Chairman Vallario voted when it became apparent that the amendment would still be accepted. Vallario's vote against the amendment resulted in a tie vote and the amendment failed.

Click here for video

Click here for the amendment vote

Click here for the final vote