Bill Text: VA SB1139 | 2023 | Regular Session | Comm Sub

Virginia Senate Bill 1139 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Firearms; storage in residence where minor or person prohibited from possessing is present, penalty.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 19-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2023-02-22 - Left in Public Safety [SB1139 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2023-SB1139-Comm_Sub.html

23104965D
SENATE BILL NO. 1139 AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE (Proposed by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on January 23, 2023) (Patron Prior to Substitute--Senator Boysko) A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 18.2-308.7:1, relating to storage of firearms in a residence where a minor or person prohibited from possessing a firearm is present; penalty.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 18.2-308.7:1 as follows:

§18.2-308.7:1. Storage of firearms; penalty.

A. Any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows that a minor under 18 years of age or a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm resides shall store such firearm and the ammunition for such firearm in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) any person in lawful possession of a firearm who is carrying such firearm on or about his person or (ii) the storage of any antique firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2.

C. Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing any person from lawfully authorizing a minor to access a firearm in accordance with §18.2-56.2.

D. Every dealer, as defined in §18.2-308.2:2, shall post in a conspicuous manner at the premises of such dealer a notice stating "Any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows that a minor under 18 years of age or a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm resides shall store such firearm and the ammunition for such firearm in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person. A violation of this law is a Class 4 misdemeanor."