Bill Text: VA HB170 | 2016 | Regular Session | Chaptered

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Bill Title: Controlled paraphernalia; unlawful to possess or distribute, exceptions, penalty.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2016-03-04 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0229) [HB170 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2016-HB170-Chaptered.html

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CHAPTER 229 An Act to amend and reenact §54.1-3466 of the Code of Virginia, relating to possession of controlled paraphernalia. [H 170] Approved March 4, 2016

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That §54.1-3466 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§54.1-3466. Possession or distribution of controlled paraphernalia; meaning of controlled paraphernalia; evidence; exceptions.

Except as authorized in this chapter, it shall be a misdemeanor for any person to possess or distribute controlled paraphernalia which shall mean A. For purposes of this chapter, "controlled paraphernalia" means (i) a hypodermic syringe, needle, or other instrument or implement or combination thereof adapted for the administration of controlled dangerous substances by hypodermic injections under circumstances which that reasonably indicate an intention to use such controlled paraphernalia for purposes of illegally administering any controlled drug or (ii) gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, or any other container suitable for the packaging of individual quantities of controlled drugs in sufficient quantity to and under circumstances which that reasonably indicate an intention to use any such item for the illegal manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of any such controlled drug. Evidence of such circumstances shall include, but not be limited to, close proximity of any such controlled paraphernalia to any adulterants or equipment commonly used in the illegal manufacture and distribution of controlled drugs including, but not limited to, scales, sieves, strainers, measuring spoons, staples and staplers, or procaine hydrochloride, mannitol, lactose, quinine, or any controlled drug, or any machine, equipment, instrument, implement, device, or combination thereof which that is adapted for the production of controlled drugs under circumstances which that reasonably indicate an intention to use such item or combination thereof to produce, sell, or dispense any controlled drug in violation of the provisions of this chapter.

B. Except as authorized in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to possess controlled paraphernalia.

C. Except as authorized in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to distribute controlled paraphernalia.

D. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

E. The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons who have acquired possession and control of controlled paraphernalia in accordance with the provisions of this article or to any person who owns or is engaged in breeding or raising livestock, poultry, or other animals to which hypodermic injections are customarily given in the interest of health, safety, or good husbandry; or to hospitals, physicians, pharmacists, dentists, podiatrists, veterinarians, funeral directors and embalmers, persons to whom a permit has been issued, manufacturers, wholesalers, or their authorized agents or employees when in the usual course of their business, if the controlled paraphernalia lawfully obtained continues continue to be used for the legitimate purposes for which they were obtained.