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Bill prohibiting celebratory gunfire passes Virginia Senate

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state-capitol-headerThe Virginia Senate passed HB 810, a measure to prohibit celebratory gunfire. It passed 27-13 on Wednesday on a bipartisan vote, with unanimous Democratic support and several Republicans voting in favor.

HB 810, introduced by Del. Betsy Carr (D-Richmond), was amended to mirror SB 65, introduced by Sen. Henry L. Marsh (D-Richmond). Both bills would forbid random or non-targeted gunfire, and are designed to reduce deaths and injuries from stray bullets.

Marsh introduced SB 65, also called “Brendon’s Law,” in response to the death of Brendon Mackey, a Midlothian child killed by a stray bullet on the 4th of July last year.

Brendon Mackey was walking to a fireworks show on the Fourth of July with his father before his life was cut tragically short by a stray bullet,” said Sen. Marsh. “Brendon’s Law will help prevent what happened to Brendon from ever happening again — and if it does happen again, this bill ensures that those responsible will be held accountable for their reckless and dangerous actions.”

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