Ware says the bill would help “ordinary folks — hobbyists and tradesmen.”

McAuliffe said in his veto message that the law would be hard to enforce. He also asserted that “legalizing the concealed carry of switchblade knives would needlessly endanger the lives of Virginians.”

Concealed handgun permit bill is vetoed

A third bill McAuliffe vetoed on Monday would expand eligibility for concealed handgun permits. It would allow military service members who are between the ages of 18 and 21 and on active military duty, or who have been honorably discharged, to apply for a permit.

Under current law, residents and nonresidents must be 21 to carry a concealed handgun.

Del. Jeffrey L. Campbell, R-Smyth, sponsored House Bill 1582. GOP proponents say that if young soldiers can be trusted with guns while fighting overseas, they should be allowed to carry concealed at home.

McAuliffe said in his veto message that “weapons familiarization training as a component of an individual’s military basic training” does not qualify the person to carry weapons in follow-on service.