SB 13

Abstract

Possessing or transporting a weapon withinCapitol Square; penalty. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person to possess or transport any (i) gun or other weapon designedor intended to propel a missile or projectile of any kind; (ii) frame,receiver, muffler, silencer, missile, projectile, or ammunition designedfor use with a dangerous weapon; or (iii) other dangerous weapon within Capitol Square, which includes the state-owned buildingsthat border its boundary streets. A dangerous weapon includes a bowieknife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, slingshot,spring stick, fighting chain, throwing star, and oriental dart orany weapon of like kind. The bill provides exceptions for law-enforcementofficers, conservators of the peace, magistrates, court officers,judges, county or city treasurers, commissioners or deputy commissionersof the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission, authorized securitypersonnel, and active military personnel while in the conduct ofsuch individuals' official duties. The bill requires that noticeof the provisions prohibiting the possessing or transporting of suchweapons be posted at each public entrance to Capitol Square. Thebill provides that any weapon or item possessed or transported inviolation of these provisions is subject to seizure by a law-enforcementofficer and forfeiture to the Commonwealth.