Bill Text: VA HB23 | 2024 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Weapons; possession or transportation into facility that provides mental health services, etc.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 14-0)
Status: (Introduced) 2024-02-02 - Incorporated by Public Safety [HB23 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HB23-Prefiled.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 4 of Chapter 4 of Title 37.2 a section numbered 37.2-431.2 as follows:
§37.2-431.2. Carrying weapon into a facility that provides mental health services or developmental services prohibited; penalty.
A. As used in this section, "hospital" means a public or private institution licensed pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 32.1-123 et seq.) of Title 32.1 or Article 2 (§37.2-403 et seq.).
B. It is unlawful for any person to possess in or transport into any facility that provides mental health services or developmental services in the Commonwealth, including a hospital or an emergency department or other facility rendering emergency medical care, any (i) firearm or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile or projectile of any kind; (ii) knife, except a pocket knife having a folding metal blade of less than three inches; or (iii) other dangerous weapon, including explosives and stun weapons as defined in § 18.2-308.1. Any such firearm, knife, explosive, or weapon shall be subject to seizure by a law-enforcement officer. A violation of this subsection is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
C. The provisions of subsection B shall not apply to the following persons while acting in the conduct of such person's official duties: any police officer, sheriff, or law-enforcement agent or official; any officer or guard of any state correctional institution; any armed security officer; any person possessing a knife customarily used for food preparation or service and using it for such purpose; or any person who possesses a knife or blade that he uses customarily in his trade.
