Bill > SB173

This bill makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor, a serious but less severe criminal offense, for anyone to knowingly and intentionally bring certain weapons into a hospital in Virginia that provides mental health services or developmental services, which are facilities offering care for individuals with mental health conditions or developmental disabilities. The prohibited weapons include firearms, knives with blades longer than three and a half inches (referred to as "location-restricted knives"), and other dangerous items like explosives and stun weapons. The bill specifies that these weapons will be seized and forfeited to the Commonwealth. However, there are exceptions, such as for law enforcement officers, authorized hospital personnel, or individuals brought to the hospital under specific legal orders for mental health or developmental services. Crucially, for a person to be convicted, the hospital must conspicuously post signs at all public entrances warning of these prohibitions, unless the person already had actual knowledge of the rules.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB173