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1998 SESSION

989145310
HOUSE BILL NO. 1285
Offered January 26, 1998
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 18.2-283.2, relating to possessing or carrying a dangerous weapon in banks and hospitals; penalty.
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Patrons-- Jones, D.C., McEachin, Spruill and Van Landingham; Senator: Lambert
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Referred to Committee on Militia and Police
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 18.2-283.2 as follows:

§ 18.2-283.2. Possessing or carrying dangerous weapons in banks and hospitals; penalty.

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 15.2-915, the governing body of any county, city or town may, by ordinance, make it unlawful for any person to possess a dangerous weapon in or to transport a dangerous weapon into a bank or hospital as defined in § 32.1-123. A violation of the ordinance shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor, and upon conviction, any weapon seized shall be disposed of as provided in subsection A of § 18.2-310.

No ordinance passed pursuant to this section shall apply to the following individuals: (i) any law-enforcement officer, as defined by § 9-169; (ii) any game warden, animal warden or deputy animal warden; (iii) any special police officer; or (iv) any licensed armed guard.

A notice stating the restrictions of the ordinance shall be prepared by the county, city or town in conformance with the provisions of this section and shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance to each bank and hospital.

For the purposes of this section, (i) "bank" includes any bank, trust company, savings institution, industrial loan association, consumer finance company or credit union and (ii) "dangerous weapon" means any firearm or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile or projectile of any kind; any frame, receiver, muffler, silencer, missile, projectile or ammunition designed for use with any gun or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile or projectile of any kind; or any explosive, taser, stun weapon, knife or other weapon specified in subsection A of § 18.2-308.