About one-third of Virginia localities obtain fingerprints from people who apply to carry concealed handguns, and a bill to end the requirement produced vigorous debate on the House of Delegates floor Tuesday.
Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge County, argued fingerprints no longer are needed because advances in technology provide the same information that can be gained from a check of fingerprints.
Several Democratic delegates challenged Cline’s HB 754, but Del. David Toscano, D-Charlottesville may have won a debating point when he asked Cline which legislator sponsored the code section his bill would repeal.
“Is the gentleman aware this provision was actually placed in the code in 2004 by no one other than the Honorable Robert F. McDonnell, presently the governor of the Commonwealth?” Toscano asked.
Catcalls and a few whistles from House members acknowledged Toscano, drawing a reprimand from Speaker William Howell.
Cline smiled and replied “times change,” and noted Charlottesville is among localities that no longer require the fingerprints.
Toscano responded, “I’m voting with my governor. I’m voting against this bill.”
The Republican-dominated House, on a voice vote, advanced the bill to its third and final reading.
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