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2008 SESSION

082592616
SENATE BILL NO. 538
FLOOR AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by Delegate Marshall, R. G.
on February 26, 2008)
(Patron Prior to Substitute--Senator Obenshain)
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 1 or Title 23 a section numbered 23-9.2:9, relating to the establishment of a first line of defense for safety at every public institution of higher education.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 1 of Title 23 a section numbered 23-9.2:9 as follows:

§ 23-9.2:9. First line of defense for campus safety.

By January 1, 2009, the governing boards of each public institution of higher education shall establish a first line of defense for campus safety by permitting each full-time faculty member and each full-time administrator of the college or university who possesses a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun on the property of or in buildings owned by the college or university; and by establishing a comprehensive, prompt, and reliable first warning notification and emergency broadcast system for their students, faculty, and staff, both on and off campus. Such system shall be activated in the case of an emergency and may rely on website announcements; email notices; phone, cellular phone, and text messages; alert lines; public address systems; and other means of communication. In addition, each institution shall designate individuals authorized to activate the warning system and provide such individuals with appropriate training for its use.