Bill Text: VA HB842 | 2018 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Controlled paraphernalia; possession or distribution, hypodermic needles and syringes, naloxone.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Republican 30-2)
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-02 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0097) [HB842 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HB842-Chaptered.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§54.1-3466 and 54.1-3467 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:
§54.1-3466. Possession or distribution of controlled paraphernalia; meaning of controlled paraphernalia; evidence; exceptions.
A. For purposes of this chapter, "controlled paraphernalia" means (i) a hypodermic syringe, needle, or other instrument or implement or combination thereof adapted for the administration of controlled dangerous substances by hypodermic injections under circumstances that reasonably indicate an intention to use such controlled paraphernalia for purposes of illegally administering any controlled drug or (ii) gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, or any other container suitable for the packaging of individual quantities of controlled drugs in sufficient quantity to and under circumstances that reasonably indicate an intention to use any such item for the illegal manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of any such controlled drug. Evidence of such circumstances shall include, but not be limited to, close proximity of any such controlled paraphernalia to any adulterants or equipment commonly used in the illegal manufacture and distribution of controlled drugs including, but not limited to, scales, sieves, strainers, measuring spoons, staples and staplers, or procaine hydrochloride, mannitol, lactose, quinine, or any controlled drug, or any machine, equipment, instrument, implement, device, or combination thereof that is adapted for the production of controlled drugs under circumstances that reasonably indicate an intention to use such item or combination thereof to produce, sell, or dispense any controlled drug in violation of the provisions of this chapter.
B. Except as authorized in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to possess controlled paraphernalia.
C. Except as authorized in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to distribute controlled paraphernalia.
D. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
E. The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons who have acquired possession and control of controlled paraphernalia in accordance with the provisions of this article or to any person who owns or is engaged in breeding or raising livestock, poultry, or other animals to which hypodermic injections are customarily given in the interest of health, safety, or good husbandry; or to hospitals, physicians, pharmacists, dentists, podiatrists, veterinarians, funeral directors and embalmers, persons to whom a permit has been issued, manufacturers, wholesalers, or their authorized agents or employees when in the usual course of their business, if the controlled paraphernalia lawfully obtained continue to be used for the legitimate purposes for which they were obtained.
F. The provisions of this section and of §18.2-265.3 shall not apply to (i) a person who dispenses naloxone in accordance with the provisions of subsection Y of §54.1-3408 and who, in conjunction with such dispensing of naloxone, dispenses or distributes hypodermic needles and syringes for injecting such naloxone or (ii) a person who possesses naloxone that has been dispensed in accordance with the provisions of subsection Y of §54.1-3408 and possesses hypodermic needles and syringes for injecting such naloxone in conjunction with such possession of naloxone.
§54.1-3467. Distribution of hypodermic needles or syringes, gelatin capsules, quinine or any of its salts.
A. Distribution by any method, of any hypodermic needles or syringes, gelatin capsules, quinine or any of its salts, in excess of one-fourth ounce shall be restricted to licensed pharmacists or to others who have received a license or a permit from the Board.
B. (Expires July 1, 2020) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the dispensing or distributing of hypodermic needles and syringes by persons authorized by the State Health Commissioner pursuant to a comprehensive harm reduction program established pursuant to §32.1-45.4 who are acting in accordance with the standards and protocols of such program for the duration of the declared public health emergency.
C. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the dispensing or distributing of hypodermic needles and syringes by persons authorized to dispense naloxone in accordance with the provisions of subsection Y of § 54.1-3408 and who, in conjunction with such dispensing of naloxone, dispenses or distributes hypodermic needles and syringes.
2. That an emergency exists and this act is in force from its passage.
