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Virginia revokes handgun permit agreement with 25 states

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia will no longer recognize concealed handgun permits from more than two dozen states.

Attorney General Mark Herring said Tuesday that the state will revoke its reciprocity agreement with 25 states after a review found that their permit requirements are weaker than Virginia's. The change takes effect Feb. 1.

Herring says those states hand out permits to people who are barred from getting one under Virginia law, including fugitives, convicted stalkers and drug dealers. He says it's a common sense step that will help keep concealed weapons out of the hands of dangerous and irresponsible people.

Republican Del. Rob Bell, who's seeking to oust Herring in 2017, called the move another "Washington-style overreach from a nakedly partisan attorney general."