Bill Text: VA SB82 | 2024 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Concealed handgun permit; changes to a concealed weapons permit.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2024-01-22 - Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 6-N) [SB82 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-SB82-Prefiled.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§9.1-141, 17.1-410, 18.2-287.4, 18.2-307.1 through 18.2-308.1, 18.2-308.1:4, 18.2-308.1:6, 19.2-152.13, 19.2-152.14, 22.1-131.1, and 44-39.1 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:
§9.1-141. Powers of Board relating to private security services business.
A. The Board may adopt regulations in accordance with the
Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq.),
establishing compulsory minimum, entry-level, in-service, and advanced training
standards for persons employed by private security services businesses in
classifications defined in §9.1-138. The regulations may include provisions
delegating to the Board's staff the right to inspect the facilities and
programs of persons conducting training to ensure compliance with the law and
Board regulations. In establishing compulsory training standards for each of
the classifications defined in §9.1-138, the Board shall be guided by the
policy of this section to secure the public safety and welfare against
incompetent or unqualified persons engaging in the activities regulated by this
section and Article 4 (§9.1-138 et
seq.) of this chapter article. The regulations may
provide for partial exemption from such compulsory, entry-level training for
persons having previous employment as law-enforcement officers for a local,
state, or the federal government, to
include units of the United States armed forces, or for persons employed in
classifications defined in §9.1-138. However, no such exemption shall be
granted to persons having less than five continuous years of such employment,
nor shall an exemption be provided for any person whose employment as a
law-enforcement officer or whose employment as a private security services
business employee was terminated because of his misconduct or incompetence. The
regulations may include separate provisions for full exemption from compulsory
training for persons having previous training that meets or exceeds the minimum
training standards and has been approved by the Department. However, no such
exemption shall be granted to persons whose employment as a private security
services business employee was terminated because of his misconduct or
incompetence. No regulation adopted by the Board shall prevent any person
employed by an electronic security business, other than an alarm respondent, or
as a locksmith from carrying a firearm in the course of his duties when such
person carries with him a valid concealed
handgun weapons
permit issued in accordance with Article 6.1 (§18.2-307.1 et seq.) of Chapter
7 of Title 18.2.
B. The Board may enter into an agreement with other states for reciprocity or recognition of private security services businesses and their employees, duly licensed by such states. The agreements shall allow those businesses and their employees to provide and perform private security services within the Commonwealth to secure the public safety and welfare against incompetent, unqualified, unscrupulous, or unfit persons engaging in the activities of private security services businesses.
C. The Board may adopt regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq.) to secure the public safety and welfare against incompetent, unqualified, unscrupulous, or unfit persons engaging in the activities of private security services businesses that:
1. Establish the qualifications of applicants for
registration, certification, or licensure under
Article 4 (§9.1-138) of this
chapter article;
2. Examine, or cause to be examined, the qualifications of each applicant for registration, certification, or licensure, including when necessary the preparation, administration, and grading of examinations;
3. Certify qualified applicants for private security training schools and instructors or license qualified applicants as practitioners of private security services businesses;
4. Levy and collect fees for registration, certification, or licensure and renewal that are sufficient to cover all expenses for administration and operation of a program of registration, certification, and licensure for private security services businesses and training schools;
5. Are necessary to ensure continued competency, and to prevent deceptive or
misleading practices by practitioners and effectively administer the regulatory
system adopted by the Board;
6. Receive complaints concerning the conduct of any person whose activities are regulated by the Board, to conduct investigations, and to take appropriate disciplinary action if warranted; and
7. Revoke, suspend, or fail to renew a registration, certification, or license for just cause as enumerated in Board regulations.
D. In adopting its regulations under subsections A and C, the Board shall seek the advice of the Private Security Services Advisory Board established pursuant to §9.1-143.
§17.1-410. Disposition of appeals; finality of decisions.
A. Each appeal of right taken to the Court of Appeals and each appeal for which a petition for appeal has been granted shall be considered by a panel of the court.
When the Court of Appeals has (i) dismissed an appeal in any case in accordance with the Rules of Court or (ii) decided an appeal, its decision shall be final, without appeal to the Supreme Court, in:
1. Appeals in criminal cases pursuant to subsections A or E of §19.2-398 and §19.2-401. Such finality of the Court of Appeals' decision shall not preclude a defendant, if he is convicted, from requesting the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court on direct appeal to reconsider an issue which was the subject of the pretrial appeal; and
2. Appeals involving involuntary treatment of prisoners pursuant to §53.1-40.1 or 53.1-133.04.
3. Appeals involving denial of a concealed
handgun weapons
permit pursuant to §18.2-308.08.
B. All other decisions of the Court of Appeals shall be appealable to the Supreme Court in accordance with the provisions of § 17.1-411.
§18.2-287.4. Carrying loaded firearms in public areas prohibited; penalty.
It shall be is unlawful for any person to
carry a loaded (a) (i) semi-automatic center-fire
rifle or pistol that expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an
explosion of a combustible material and is equipped at the time of the offense
with a magazine that will hold more than 20 rounds of ammunition or designed by
the manufacturer to accommodate a silencer or equipped with a folding stock or (b) (ii)
shotgun with a magazine that will hold more than seven rounds of the longest
ammunition for which it is chambered on or about his person on any public
street, road, alley, sidewalk, or
public right-of-way, or
in any public park or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the
public in the Cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Fairfax, Falls Church, Newport
News, Norfolk, Richmond, or Virginia Beach or in the Counties of Arlington,
Fairfax, Henrico, Loudoun, or Prince William.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to
law-enforcement officers, licensed security guards, military personnel in the
performance of their lawful duties, or any person having a valid concealed handgun
weapons permit or to any person
actually engaged in lawful hunting or lawful recreational shooting activities
at an established shooting range or shooting contest. Any person violating the
provisions of this section shall be is guilty of a Class 1
misdemeanor.
The exemptions set forth in §§18.2-308 and 18.2-308.016 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the provisions of this section.
§18.2-307.1. Definitions.
As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Ballistic knife" means any knife with a detachable blade that is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism.
"Handgun" means any pistol or revolver or other firearm, except a machine gun, originally designed, made, and intended to fire a projectile by means of an explosion of a combustible material from one or more barrels when held in one hand.
"Law-enforcement officer" means those individuals defined as a law-enforcement officer in §9.1-101, law-enforcement agents of the armed forces of the United States and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and federal agents who are otherwise authorized to carry weapons by federal law. "Law-enforcement officer" also means any sworn full-time law-enforcement officer employed by a law-enforcement agency of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof, whose duties are substantially similar to those set forth in §9.1-101.
"Lawfully admitted for permanent residence" means the status of having been lawfully accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such status not having changed.
"Personal knowledge" means knowledge of a fact that a person has himself gained through his own senses, or knowledge that was gained by a law-enforcement officer or prosecutor through the performance of his official duties.
"Spring stick" means a spring-loaded metal stick activated by pushing a button that rapidly and forcefully telescopes the weapon to several times its original length.
"Weapon" means any of the items, including items of like kind, enumerated in subsection A of §18.2-308.
§18.2-308. Carrying concealed weapons; exceptions; penalty.
A. If any person carries about his person, hidden from common
observation, (i) any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to
propel a missile of any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible
material; (ii) any dirk, bowie knife, stiletto knife, ballistic knife, machete,
razor, sling bow, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; (iii) any flailing
instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as
to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck,
nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; (iv) any disc, of whatever configuration,
having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or
propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or (v)
any weapon of like kind as those enumerated in this subsection, he is guilty of
a Class 1 misdemeanor. A second violation of this section or a conviction under
this section subsequent to any conviction under any substantially similar
ordinance of any county, city, or town shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony,
and a third or subsequent such violation shall be punishable as a Class 5
felony. For the purpose of this section, a weapon shall be deemed to be hidden
from common observation when it is observable but is of such deceptive
appearance as to disguise the weapon's true nature. It shall be an affirmative
defense to a violation of clause (i)
regarding a handgun, this section
that a person had been issued, at the time of the offense, a valid concealed handgun
weapons permit.
B. This section shall not apply to any person while in his own place of abode or the curtilage thereof.
C. Except as provided in subsection A of §18.2-308.012, this section shall not apply to:
1. Any person while in his own place of business;
2. Any law-enforcement officer, or retired law-enforcement officer pursuant to §18.2-308.016, wherever such law-enforcement officer may travel in the Commonwealth;
3. Any person who is at, or going to or from, an established shooting range, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported;
4. Any regularly enrolled member of a weapons collecting organization who is at, or going to or from, a bona fide weapons exhibition, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported;
5. Any person carrying such weapons between his place of abode and a place of purchase or repair, provided the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported;
6. Any person actually engaged in lawful hunting, as
authorized by the Board of Wildlife Resources, under inclement weather conditions
necessitating temporary protection of his firearm from those conditions,
provided that possession of a handgun weapon while engaged in lawful
hunting shall not be construed as hunting with a
handgun weapon
if the person hunting is carrying a valid concealed
handgun weapons
permit;
7. Any attorney for the Commonwealth or assistant attorney for the Commonwealth, wherever such attorney may travel in the Commonwealth;
8. Any person who may lawfully possess a firearm and is
carrying a handgun weapon while in a personal,
private motor vehicle or vessel and such handgun weapon is secured in a
container or compartment in the vehicle or vessel;
9. Any enrolled participant of a firearms training course who is at, or going to or from, a training location, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported; and
10. Any judge or justice of the Commonwealth, wherever such judge or justice may travel in the Commonwealth.
D. This section shall also not apply to any of the following individuals while in the discharge of their official duties, or while in transit to or from such duties:
1. Carriers of the United States mail;
2. Officers or guards of any state correctional institution;
3. Conservators of the peace, except that a judge or justice
of the Commonwealth, an attorney for the Commonwealth, or an assistant attorney
for the Commonwealth may carry a concealed
handgun weapon
pursuant to subdivisions C 7 and 10. However, the following conservators of the
peace shall not be permitted to carry a concealed
handgun weapon
without obtaining a permit as provided in this article: (i) notaries public;
(ii) registrars; (iii) drivers, operators, or other persons in charge of any
motor vehicle carrier of passengers for hire; or (iv) commissioners in
chancery; and
4. Noncustodial employees of the Department of Corrections designated to carry weapons by the Director of the Department of Corrections pursuant to §53.1-29.
§18.2-308.01. Carrying a concealed weapon with a permit.
A. The prohibition against carrying a concealed handgun
weapon in clause (i) of
subsection A of §18.2-308 shall not apply to a person who has a valid
concealed handgun weapons permit issued pursuant
to this article. The person issued the permit shall have such permit on his
person at all times during which he is carrying a concealed
handgun weapon
and shall display the permit and a photo identification issued by a government
agency of the Commonwealth or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State
Department (passport) upon demand by a law-enforcement officer. A person to
whom a nonresident permit is issued shall have such permit on his person at all
times when he is carrying a concealed handgun weapon in the Commonwealth and
shall display the permit on demand by a law-enforcement officer. A person whose
permit is extended due to deployment shall carry with him and display, upon
request of a law-enforcement officer, a copy of the documents required by
subsection B of §18.2-308.010.
B. Failure to display the permit and a photo identification
upon demand by a law-enforcement officer shall be is punishable by a $25 civil
penalty, which shall be paid into the state treasury. Any attorney for the
Commonwealth of the county or city in which the alleged violation occurred may
bring an action to recover the civil penalty. A court may waive such penalty
upon presentation to the court of a valid permit and a government-issued photo
identification. Any law-enforcement officer may issue a summons for the civil
violation of failure to display the concealed
handgun weapons
permit and photo identification upon demand.
C. The granting of a concealed
handgun weapons
permit pursuant to this article shall not thereby authorize the possession of
any handgun or other weapon on property or in places where such possession is
otherwise prohibited by law or is prohibited by the owner of private property.
D. Any concealed handgun permit issued prior to July 1, 2024, shall include weapons other than handguns and shall be treated as a concealed weapons permit.
§18.2-308.02. Application for a concealed weapons permit; Virginia resident or domiciliary.
A. Any person 21 years of age or older may apply in writing to
the clerk of the circuit court of the county or city in which he resides, or if
he is a member of the United States Armed Forces and stationed outside the
Commonwealth, the county or city in which he is domiciled, for a five-year
permit to carry a concealed handgun weapon. There shall be no
requirement regarding the length of time an applicant has been a resident or
domiciliary of the county or city. The application shall be on a form
prescribed by the Department of State Police, in consultation with the Supreme
Court, requiring only that information necessary to determine eligibility for
the permit. Additionally, the application shall request but not require that
the applicant provide an email or other electronic address where a notice of
permit expiration can be sent pursuant to subsection C of §18.2-308.010. The
applicant shall present one valid form of photo identification issued by a
governmental agency of the Commonwealth or by the U.S. Department of Defense or
U.S. State Department (passport). No information or documentation other than
that which is allowed on the application in accordance with this section may be
requested or required by the clerk or the court.
B. The court shall require proof that the applicant has
demonstrated competence with a handgun weapon in person and the applicant
may demonstrate such competence by one of the following, but no applicant shall
be required to submit to any additional demonstration of competence, nor shall
any proof of demonstrated competence expire:
1. Completing any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Department of Wildlife Resources or a similar agency of another state;
2. Completing any National Rifle Association or United States Concealed Carry Association firearms safety or training course;
3. Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law-enforcement agency, institution of higher education, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or the Department of Criminal Justice Services;
4. Completing any law-enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;
5. Presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in an organized shooting competition or current military service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services;
6. Obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in the Commonwealth or a locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause;
7. Completing any in-person firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified, National Rifle Association-certified, or United States Concealed Carry Association-certified firearms instructor;
8. Completing any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties; or
9. Completing any other firearms training that the court deems adequate.
A photocopy of a certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes; an affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught such course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant; or a copy of any document that shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation in firearms competition shall constitute evidence of qualification under this subsection.
C. The making of a materially false statement in an application under this article shall constitute perjury, punishable as provided in §18.2-434.
D. The clerk of court shall withhold from public disclosure
the applicant's name and any other information contained in a permit
application or any order issuing a concealed
handgun weapons
permit, except that such information shall not be withheld from any
law-enforcement officer acting in the performance of his official duties or
from the applicant with respect to his own information. The prohibition on
public disclosure of information under this subsection shall not apply to any
reference to the issuance of a concealed handgun
permit in any order book before July 1, 2008; however, any other concealed handgun
weapon records maintained by the clerk shall be withheld
from public disclosure.
E. An application is deemed complete when all information
required to be furnished by the applicant, including the fee for a concealed handgun
weapons permit as set forth in §18.2-308.03, is delivered
to and received by the clerk of court before or concomitant with the conduct of
a state or national criminal history records check.
F. For purposes of this section, a member of the United States Armed Forces is domiciled in the county or city where such member claims his home of record with the United States Armed Forces.
§18.2-308.03. Fees for concealed weapons permits.
A. The clerk shall charge a fee of $10 for the processing of an application or issuing of a concealed weapons permit, including his costs associated with the consultation with law-enforcement agencies. The local law-enforcement agency conducting the background investigation may charge a fee not to exceed $35 to cover the cost of conducting an investigation pursuant to this article. The $35 fee shall include any amount assessed by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation for providing criminal history record information, and the local law-enforcement agency shall forward the amount assessed by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation to the State Police with the fingerprints taken from any nonresident applicant. The State Police may charge a fee not to exceed $5 to cover its costs associated with processing the application. The total amount assessed for processing an application for a permit shall not exceed $50, with such fees to be paid in one sum to the person who receives the application. Payment may be made by any method accepted by that court for payment of other fees or penalties. No payment shall be required until the application is received by the court as a complete application.
B. No fee shall be charged for the issuance of such permit to a person who has retired from service (i) as a magistrate in the Commonwealth; (ii) as a special agent with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority or as a law-enforcement officer with the Department of State Police, the Department of Wildlife Resources, or a sheriff or police department, bureau, or force of any political subdivision of the Commonwealth, after completing 15 years of service or after reaching age 55; (iii) as a law-enforcement officer with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Secret Service Agency, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Marshals Service, or Naval Criminal Investigative Service, after completing 15 years of service or after reaching age 55; (iv) as a law-enforcement officer with any police or sheriff's department within the United States, the District of Columbia, or any of the territories of the United States, after completing 15 years of service; (v) as a law-enforcement officer with any combination of the agencies listed in clauses (ii) through (iv), after completing 15 years of service; (vi) as a designated boarding team member or boarding officer of the United States Coast Guard, after completing 15 years of service or after reaching age 55; (vii) as a correctional officer as defined in §53.1-1, after completing 15 years of service; or (viii) as a probation and parole officer authorized pursuant to § 53.1-143, after completing 15 years of service.
§18.2-308.04. Processing of the application and issuance of a concealed weapons permit.
A. The clerk of court shall enter on the application the date on which the application and all other information required to be submitted by the applicant is received.
B. Upon receipt of the completed application, the court shall consult with either the sheriff or police department of the county or city and receive a report from the Central Criminal Records Exchange.
C. The court shall issue the permit via United States mail and notify the State Police of the issuance of the permit within 45 days of receipt of the completed application unless it is determined that the applicant is disqualified. Any order denying issuance of the permit shall be in accordance with §18.2-308.08. If the applicant is later found by the court to be disqualified after a five-year permit has been issued, the permit shall be revoked.
D. A court may authorize the clerk to issue concealed handgun
weapons permits, without judicial review, to applicants who
have submitted complete applications, for whom the criminal history records
check does not indicate a disqualification and, after consulting with either
the sheriff or police department of the county or city, about which application
there are no outstanding questions or issues. The court clerk shall be immune
from suit arising from any acts or omissions relating to the issuance of
concealed handgun weapons permits without
judicial review pursuant to this section unless the clerk was grossly negligent
or engaged in willful misconduct. This section shall not be construed to limit,
withdraw, or overturn any defense or immunity already existing in statutory or
common law, or to affect any cause of action accruing prior to July 1, 2010.
E. The permit to carry a concealed
handgun weapon
shall specify only the following information: name, address, date of birth,
gender, height, weight, color of hair, color of eyes, and signature of the
permittee; the signature of the judge issuing the permit, of the clerk of court
who has been authorized to sign such permits by the issuing judge, or of the
clerk of court who has been authorized to issue such permits pursuant to
subsection D; the date of issuance; and the expiration date. The permit to
carry a concealed handgun weapon shall be of a size
comparable to a Virginia driver's license, may be laminated or use a similar
process to protect the permit, and shall otherwise be of a uniform style
prescribed by the Department of State Police.
§18.2-308.05. Issuance of a de facto permit.
If the court has not issued the permit or determined that the
applicant is disqualified within 45 days of the date of receipt noted on the
application, the clerk shall certify on the application that the 45-day period
has expired, and mail or send via electronic mail a copy of the certified
application to the applicant within five business days of the expiration of the
45-day period. The certified application shall serve as a de facto permit,
which shall expire 90 days after issuance, and shall be recognized as a valid
concealed handgun weapons permit when presented
with a valid government-issued photo identification pursuant to subsection A of
§18.2-308.01, until the court issues a five-year permit or finds the applicant
to be disqualified. If the applicant is found to be disqualified after the de
facto permit is issued, the applicant shall surrender the de facto permit to
the court and the disqualification shall be deemed a denial of the permit and a
revocation of the de facto permit.
§18.2-308.06. Nonresident concealed weapons permits.
A. Nonresidents of the Commonwealth 21 years of age or older
may apply in writing to the Virginia Department of State Police for a five-year
permit to carry a concealed handgun weapon. The applicant shall
submit a photocopy of one valid form of photo identification issued by a
governmental agency of the applicant's state of residency or by the U.S.
Department of Defense or U.S. State Department (passport). Every applicant for
a nonresident concealed handgun weapons permit shall also
submit two photographs of a type and kind specified by the Department of State
Police for inclusion on the permit and shall submit fingerprints on a card
provided by the Department of State Police for the purpose of obtaining the
applicant's state or national criminal history record. As a condition for
issuance of a concealed handgun weapons permit, the applicant
shall submit to fingerprinting by his local or state law-enforcement agency and
provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded with the fingerprints
through the Central Criminal Records Exchange to the U.S. Federal Bureau of
Investigation for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information
regarding the applicant and obtaining fingerprint identification information
from federal records pursuant to criminal investigations by state and local
law-enforcement agencies. The application shall be on a form provided by the
Department of State Police, requiring only that information necessary to
determine eligibility for the permit. If the permittee is later found by the
Department of State Police to be disqualified, the permit shall be revoked and
the person shall return the permit after being so notified by the Department of
State Police. The permit requirement and restriction provisions of subsection C
of §18.2-308.02 and §18.2-308.09 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the
provisions of this subsection.
B. The applicant shall demonstrate competence with a handgun
weapon in person by one of the following:
1. Completing a hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or a similar agency of another state;
2. Completing any National Rifle Association or United States Concealed Carry Association firearms safety or training course;
3. Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law-enforcement agency, institution of higher education, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or the Department of Criminal Justice Services or a similar agency of another state;
4. Completing any law-enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;
5. Presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition approved by the Department of State Police or current military service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services;
6. Obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in the Commonwealth or a locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause;
7. Completing any in-person firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified, National Rifle Association-certified, or United States Concealed Carry Association-certified firearms instructor;
8. Completing any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties; or
9. Completing any other firearms training that the Virginia Department of State Police deems adequate.
A photocopy of a certificate of completion of any such course
or class; an affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or
group that conducted or taught such course or class attesting to the completion
of the course or class by the applicant; or a copy of any document that shows
completion of the course or class or evidences participation in firearms
competition shall satisfy the requirement for demonstration of competence with
a handgun
weapon.
C. The Department of State Police may charge a fee not to
exceed $100 to cover the cost of the background check and issuance of the
permit. Any fees collected shall be deposited in a special account to be used
to offset the costs of administering the nonresident concealed handgun
weapons permit program.
D. The permit to carry a concealed
handgun weapon
shall contain only the following information: name, address, date of birth,
gender, height, weight, color of hair, color of eyes, and photograph of the
permittee; the signature of the Superintendent of the Virginia Department of
State Police or his designee; the date of issuance; and the expiration date.
E. The Superintendent of the State Police shall promulgate
regulations, pursuant to the Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq.),
for the implementation of an application process for obtaining a nonresident
concealed handgun weapons permit.
§18.2-308.07. Entry of information into the Virginia Criminal Information Network.
A. An order issuing a concealed
handgun weapons
permit pursuant to §18.2-308.04, or the copy of the permit application
certified by the clerk as a de facto permit pursuant to §18.2-308.05, shall be
provided to the State Police and the law-enforcement agencies of the county or
city by the clerk of the court. The State Police shall enter the permittee's
name and description in the Virginia Criminal Information Network so that the
permit's existence and current status will be made known to law-enforcement
personnel accessing the Network for investigative purposes.
B. The Department of State Police shall enter the name and description of a person issued a nonresident permit pursuant to §18.2-308.06 in the Virginia Criminal Information Network so that the permit's existence and current status are known to law-enforcement personnel accessing the Network for investigative purposes.
C. The State Police shall withhold from public disclosure permittee information submitted to the State Police for purposes of entry into the Virginia Criminal Information Network, except that such information shall not be withheld from any law-enforcement agency, officer, or authorized agent thereof acting in the performance of official law-enforcement duties when such information is related to an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution, nor shall such information be withheld from an entity that has a valid contract with any local, state, or federal law-enforcement agency for the purpose of performing official duties of the law-enforcement agency when such information is related to an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution. However, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the release of (i) records by the State Police concerning permits issued to nonresidents of the Commonwealth pursuant to §18.2-308.06 or (ii) statistical summaries, abstracts, or other records containing information in an aggregate form that does not identify any individual permittees.
§18.2-308.08. Denial of a concealed weapons permit; appeal.
A. Only a circuit court judge may deny issuance of a concealed handgun
weapons permit to a Virginia resident or domiciliary who
has applied for a permit pursuant to §18.2-308.04. Any order denying issuance
of a concealed handgun weapons permit shall state the
basis for the denial of the permit, including, if applicable, any reason under
§18.2-308.09 that is the basis of the denial, and the clerk shall provide
notice, in writing, upon denial of the application, of the applicant's right to
an ore tenus hearing and the requirements for perfecting an appeal of such
order.
B. Upon request of the applicant made within 21 days, the court shall place the matter on the docket for an ore tenus hearing. The applicant may be represented by counsel, but counsel shall not be appointed, and the rules of evidence shall apply. The final order of the court shall include the court's findings of fact and conclusions of law.
C. Any person denied a permit to carry a concealed handgun
weapon by the circuit court may appeal to the Court of
Appeals. Such person shall file a notice of appeal with the clerk of the
circuit court noting an appeal to the Court of Appeals and file his opening
brief with the Court of Appeals within 60 days of the expiration of the time
for requesting an ore tenus hearing, or if an ore tenus hearing is requested,
within 60 days of the entry of the final order of the circuit court following
the hearing. The opening brief shall be accompanied by a copy of the original
papers filed in the circuit court, including a copy of the order of the circuit
court denying the permit. The decision of the Court of Appeals or judge shall
be final. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the decision to deny
the permit is reversed upon appeal, taxable costs incurred by the person shall
be paid by the Commonwealth.
§18.2-308.09. Disqualifications for a concealed weapons permit.
The following persons shall be deemed disqualified from obtaining a permit:
1. An individual who is ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to §18.2-308.1:1, 18.2-308.1:2, 18.2-308.1:3, 18.2-308.1:6, 18.2-308.1:7, or 18.2-308.1:8 or the substantially similar law of any other state or of the United States.
2. An individual who was ineligible to possess a firearm
pursuant to §18.2-308.1:1 and who was discharged from the custody of the
Commissioner pursuant to §19.2-182.7 less than five years before the date of
his application for a concealed handgun weapons permit.
3. An individual who was ineligible to possess a firearm
pursuant to §18.2-308.1:2 and whose competency or capacity was restored
pursuant to §64.2-2012 less than five years before the date of his application
for a concealed handgun weapons permit.
4. An individual who was ineligible to possess a firearm under
§18.2-308.1:3 and who was released from commitment less than five years before
the date of this application for a concealed
handgun weapons
permit.
5. An individual who is subject to a restraining order, or to a protective order and prohibited by §18.2-308.1:4 from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm.
6. An individual who is prohibited by §18.2-308.2 from possessing or transporting a firearm, except that a restoration order may be obtained in accordance with subsection C of that section.
7. An individual who has been convicted of two or more misdemeanors within the five-year period immediately preceding the application, if one of the misdemeanors was a Class 1 misdemeanor, but the judge shall have the discretion to deny a permit for two or more misdemeanors that are not Class 1. Traffic infractions and misdemeanors set forth in Title 46.2 shall not be considered for purposes of this disqualification.
8. An individual who is addicted to, or is an unlawful user or distributor of, marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, or any controlled substance.
9. An individual who has been convicted of a violation of § 18.2-266 or a substantially similar local ordinance, or of public drunkenness, or of a substantially similar offense under the laws of any other state, the District of Columbia, the United States, or its territories within the three-year period immediately preceding the application.
10. An alien other than an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.
11. An individual who has been discharged from the armed forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions.
12. An individual who is a fugitive from justice.
13. An individual who the court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, based on specific acts by the applicant, is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or negligently to endanger others. The sheriff, chief of police, or attorney for the Commonwealth may submit to the court a sworn, written statement indicating that, in the opinion of such sheriff, chief of police, or attorney for the Commonwealth, based upon a disqualifying conviction or upon the specific acts set forth in the statement, the applicant is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or negligently to endanger others. The statement of the sheriff, chief of police, or the attorney for the Commonwealth shall be based upon personal knowledge of such individual or of a deputy sheriff, police officer, or assistant attorney for the Commonwealth of the specific acts, or upon a written statement made under oath before a notary public of a competent person having personal knowledge of the specific acts.
14. An individual who has been convicted of any assault, assault and battery, sexual battery, discharging of a firearm in violation of § 18.2-280 or 18.2-286.1 or brandishing of a firearm in violation of §18.2-282 within the three-year period immediately preceding the application.
15. An individual who has been convicted of stalking.
16. An individual whose previous convictions or adjudications of delinquency were based on an offense that would have been at the time of conviction a felony if committed by an adult under the laws of any state, the District of Columbia, the United States or its territories. For purposes of this disqualifier, only convictions occurring within 16 years following the later of the date of (i) the conviction or adjudication or (ii) release from any incarceration imposed upon such conviction or adjudication shall be deemed to be "previous convictions." Disqualification under this subdivision shall not apply to an individual with previous adjudications of delinquency who has completed a term of service of no less than two years in the Armed Forces of the United States and, if such person has been discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States, received an honorable discharge.
17. An individual who has a felony charge pending or a charge pending for an offense listed in subdivision 14 or 15.
18. An individual who has received mental health treatment or
substance abuse treatment in a residential setting within five years prior to
the date of his application for a concealed
handgun weapons
permit.
19. An individual not otherwise ineligible pursuant to this article, who, within the three-year period immediately preceding the application for the permit, was found guilty of any criminal offense set forth in Chapter 11 (§4.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 4.1, Article 1 (§18.2-247 et seq.), or former §18.2-248.1:1 or of a criminal offense of illegal possession or distribution of marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, or any controlled substance, under the laws of any state, the District of Columbia, or the United States or its territories.
20. An individual, not otherwise ineligible pursuant to this article, with respect to whom, within the three-year period immediately preceding the application, upon a charge of any criminal offense set forth in Chapter 11 (§4.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 4.1, Article 1 (§18.2-247 et seq.), or former § 18.2-248.1:1 or upon a charge of illegal possession or distribution of marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, or any controlled substance under the laws of any state, the District of Columbia, or the United States or its territories, the trial court found that the facts of the case were sufficient for a finding of guilt and disposed of the case pursuant to §18.2-251 or the substantially similar law of any other state, the District of Columbia, or the United States or its territories.
§18.2-308.010. Renewal of concealed weapons permit.
A. 1. Persons who previously have held a concealed handgun
weapons permit shall be issued, upon application as
provided in §18.2-308.02, a new five-year permit unless it is found that the
applicant is subject to any of the disqualifications set forth in §
18.2-308.09. Persons who previously have been issued a concealed handgun
weapons permit pursuant to this article shall not be
required to appear in person to apply for a new five-year permit pursuant to
this section, and the application for the new permit, including a photocopy of
the applicant's valid photo identification, may be submitted via the United
States mail. The circuit court that receives the application shall promptly
notify an applicant if the application is incomplete or if the fee submitted
for the permit pursuant to §18.2-308.03 is incorrect.
2. If a new five-year permit is issued while an existing permit remains valid, the new five-year permit shall become effective upon the expiration date of the existing permit, provided that the application is received by the court at least 90 days but no more than 180 days prior to the expiration of the existing permit.
3. Any order denying issuance of the new permit shall be in accordance with subsection A of §18.2-308.08.
B. If a permit holder is a member of the Virginia National Guard, Armed Forces of the United States, or the Armed Forces Reserves of the United States, and his five-year permit expires during an active-duty military deployment outside of the permittee's county or city of residence, such permit shall remain valid for 90 days after the end date of the deployment. In order to establish proof of continued validity of the permit, such a permittee shall carry with him and display, upon request of a law-enforcement officer, a copy of the permittee's deployment orders or other documentation from the permittee's commanding officer that order the permittee to travel outside of his county or city of residence and that indicate the start and end date of such deployment.
C. If the clerk has an electronic system for, and issuance of,
concealed handgun weapons permits and such
system has the capability of sending electronic notices to permit holders and
if a permit holder requests such notice on the concealed
handgun weapons
application form, the clerk that issued the permit shall notify the permit
holder by electronic mail at least 90 days prior to the permit expiration date
that the permit will expire. The failure of a clerk to send the notice required
by this subsection or the failure of the permit holder to receive such notice
shall not extend the validity of the existing permit beyond its expiration
date.
§18.2-308.011. Replacement permits.
A. The clerk of a circuit court that issued a valid concealed handgun
weapons permit shall, upon presentation by the permit
holder of the valid permit and written notice of a change of address on a form
provided by the Department of State Police, issue a replacement permit
specifying the permit holder's new address. The clerk of court shall forward
the permit holder's new address of residence to the State Police. The State
Police may charge a fee not to exceed $5, and the clerk of court issuing the
replacement permit may charge a fee not to exceed $5. The total amount assessed
for processing a replacement permit pursuant to this subsection shall not
exceed $10, with such fees to be paid in one sum to the person who receives the
information for the replacement permit.
B. The clerk of a circuit court that issued a valid concealed handgun
weapons permit shall, upon submission of a notarized
statement by the permit holder that the permit was lost or destroyed or that
the permit holder has undergone a legal name change, issue a replacement
permit. The replacement permit shall have the same expiration date as the
permit that was lost, destroyed, or issued to the permit holder under a
previous name. The clerk shall issue the replacement permit within 10 business
days of receiving the notarized statement and may charge a fee not to exceed
$5.
§18.2-308.012. Prohibited conduct; penalties.
A. Any person permitted to carry a concealed handgun
weapon who is under the influence of alcohol or illegal
drugs while carrying such handgun weapon in a public place is
guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Conviction of any of the following offenses
shall be prima facie evidence, subject to rebuttal, that the person is
"under the influence" for purposes of this section: manslaughter in
violation of §18.2-36.1, maiming in violation of §18.2-51.4, driving while
intoxicated in violation of §18.2-266, public intoxication in violation of §
18.2-388, or driving while intoxicated in violation of §46.2-341.24. Upon such
conviction that court shall revoke the person's permit for a concealed handgun
weapon and promptly notify the issuing circuit court. A
person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall be ineligible to apply
for a concealed handgun weapons permit for a period of
five years.
B. No person who carries a concealed
handgun weapon
onto the premises of any restaurant or club as defined in §4.1-100 for which a
license to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption has
been granted by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority under Title
4.1 may consume an alcoholic beverage while on the premises. A person who
carries a concealed handgun weapon onto the premises of
such a restaurant or club and consumes alcoholic beverages is guilty of a Class
2 misdemeanor. However, nothing in this subsection shall apply to a federal,
state, or local law-enforcement officer.
§18.2-308.013. Suspension or revocation of permit.
A. Any person convicted of an offense that would disqualify
that person from obtaining a permit under §18.2-308.09 or who violates
subsection C of §18.2-308.02 shall forfeit his permit for a concealed handgun
weapon and surrender it to the court. Upon receipt by the
Central Criminal Records Exchange of a record of the arrest, conviction, or
occurrence of any other event that would disqualify a person from obtaining a
concealed handgun weapons permit under §
18.2-308.09, the Central Criminal Records Exchange shall notify the court
having issued the permit of such disqualifying arrest, conviction, or other
event. Upon receipt of such notice of a conviction, the court shall revoke the
permit of a person disqualified pursuant to this subsection, and shall promptly
notify the State Police and the person whose permit was revoked of the
revocation.
B. An individual who has a felony charge pending or a charge
pending for an offense listed in subdivision 14 or 15 of §18.2-308.09, holding
a permit for a concealed handgun weapon, may have the permit
suspended by the court before which such charge is pending or by the court that
issued the permit.
C. The court shall revoke the permit of any individual for whom it would be unlawful to purchase, possess, or transport a firearm under § 18.2-308.1:2 or 18.2-308.1:3, and shall promptly notify the State Police and the person whose permit was revoked of the revocation.
§18.2-308.014. Reciprocity.
A. A valid concealed handgun or concealed weapon permit or
license issued by another state shall authorize the holder of such permit or
license who is at least 21 years of age to carry a concealed handgun
weapon in the Commonwealth, provided that
(i) the issuing authority provides the means for instantaneous verification of
the validity of all such permits or licenses issued within that state,
accessible 24 hours a day if available; (ii) the permit or license holder
carries a photo identification issued by a government agency of any state or by
the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. Department of State and displays the
permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement
officer; and (iii) the permit or license holder has not previously had a
Virginia concealed handgun or
weapons permit revoked. The Superintendent of State Police
shall enter into agreements for reciprocal recognition with such other states
that require an agreement to be in place before such state will recognize a
Virginia concealed handgun weapons permit as valid in
such state. The Attorney General shall provide the Superintendent with any
legal assistance or advice necessary for the Superintendent to perform his
duties set forth in this subsection. If the Superintendent determines that
another state requires that an agreement for reciprocal recognition be executed
by the Attorney General or otherwise formally approved by the Attorney General
as a condition of such other state's entering into an agreement for reciprocal
recognition, the Attorney General shall (a) execute such agreement or otherwise
formally approve such agreement and (b) return to the Superintendent the
executed agreement or, in a form deemed acceptable by such other state,
documentation of his formal approval of such agreement within 30 days after the
Superintendent notifies the Attorney General, in writing, that he is required
to execute or otherwise formally approve such agreement.
B. For the purposes of participation in concealed handgun or weapons reciprocity
agreements with other jurisdictions, the official government-issued
law-enforcement identification card issued to an active-duty law-enforcement
officer in the Commonwealth who is exempt from obtaining a concealed handgun
weapons permit under this article shall be deemed a
concealed handgun weapons permit.
§18.2-308.015. Inclusion of Supreme Court website on application.
For the purposes of understanding the law relating to the use
of deadly and lethal force, the Department of State Police, in consultation
with the Supreme Court on the development of the application for a concealed handgun
weapons permit under this article, shall include a
reference to the Virginia Supreme Court website address or the Virginia Reports
on the application.
§18.2-308.016. Retired law-enforcement officers; carrying a concealed weapon.
A. Except as provided in subsection A of §18.2-308.012, § 18.2-308 shall not apply to:
1. Any State Police officer retired from the Department of
State Police, any officer retired from the Division of Capitol Police, any
local law-enforcement officer, auxiliary police officer or animal control
officer retired from a police department or sheriff's office within the
Commonwealth, any special agent retired from the State Corporation Commission
or the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, any employee with
internal investigations authority designated by the Department of Corrections
pursuant to subdivision 11 of §53.1-10 retired from the Department of
Corrections, any conservation police officer retired from the Department of
Wildlife Resources, any conservation officer retired from the Department of
Conservation and Recreation, any Virginia Marine Police officer retired from
the Law Enforcement Division of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, any
campus police officer appointed under Article 3 (§23.1-809 et seq.) of Chapter
8 of Title 23.1 retired from a campus police department, any retired member of
the enforcement division of the Department of Motor Vehicles appointed pursuant
to §46.2-217, and any retired investigator of the security division of the
Virginia Lottery, other than an officer or agent terminated for cause, (i) with
a service-related disability; (ii) following at least 10 years of service with
any such law-enforcement agency, commission, board, or any combination thereof;
(iii) who has reached 55 years of age; or (iv) who is on long-term leave from
such law-enforcement agency or board due to a service-related injury, provided
such officer carries with him written proof of consultation with and favorable
review of the need to carry a concealed handgun weapon issued by the chief
law-enforcement officer of the last such agency from which the officer retired
or the agency that employs the officer or, in the case of special agents,
issued by the State Corporation Commission or the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage
Control Authority. A copy of the proof of consultation and favorable review
shall be forwarded by the chief, Commission, or Board to the Department of
State Police for entry into the Virginia Criminal Information Network. The
chief law-enforcement officer shall not without cause withhold such written
proof if the retired law-enforcement officer otherwise meets the requirements
of this section. An officer set forth in clause (iv) who receives written proof
of consultation to carry a concealed handgun weapon shall surrender such
proof of consultation upon return to work as a law-enforcement officer or upon
termination of employment with the law-enforcement agency. Notice of the
surrender shall be forwarded to the Department of State Police for entry into
the Virginia Criminal Information Network. However, if such officer retires on
disability because of the service-related injury, and would be eligible under
clause (i) for written proof of consultation to carry a concealed handgun
weapon, he may retain the previously issued written proof
of consultation.
2. Any person who is eligible for retirement with at least 20
years of service with a law-enforcement agency, commission, or board mentioned
in subdivision 1 who has resigned in good standing from such law-enforcement
agency, commission, or board to accept a position covered by a retirement
system that is authorized under Title 51.1, provided such person carries with
him written proof of consultation with and favorable review of the need to
carry a concealed handgun weapon issued by the chief
law-enforcement officer of the agency from which he resigned or, in the case of
special agents, issued by the State Corporation Commission or the Virginia
Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. A copy of the proof of consultation and
favorable review shall be forwarded by the chief, Commission, or Board to the
Department of State Police for entry into the Virginia Criminal Information
Network. The chief law-enforcement officer shall not without cause withhold
such written proof if the law-enforcement officer otherwise meets the
requirements of this section.
3. Any State Police officer who is a member of the organized
reserve forces of any of the Armed Services of the United States or National
Guard, while such officer is called to active military duty, provided such
officer carries with him written proof of consultation with and favorable
review of the need to carry a concealed handgun weapon issued by the
Superintendent of State Police. The proof of consultation and favorable review shall
be valid as long as the officer is on active military duty and shall expire
when the officer returns to active law-enforcement duty. The issuance of the
proof of consultation and favorable review shall be entered into the Virginia
Criminal Information Network. The Superintendent of State Police shall not
without cause withhold such written proof if the officer is in good standing
and is qualified to carry a weapon while on active law-enforcement duty.
4. Any retired or resigned attorney for the Commonwealth or
assistant attorney for the Commonwealth who (i) was not terminated for cause
and served at least 10 years prior to his retirement or resignation; (ii)
during the most recent 12-month period, has met, at his own expense, the
standards for qualification in firearms training for active law-enforcement
officers in the Commonwealth; (iii) carries with him written proof of
consultation with and favorable review of the need to carry a concealed handgun
weapon issued by the attorney for the Commonwealth from
whose office he retired or resigned; and (iv) meets the requirements of a
"qualified retired law enforcement officer" pursuant to the federal
Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (18 U.S.C. §926C). A copy of the
proof of consultation and favorable review shall be forwarded by the attorney
for the Commonwealth to the Department of State Police for entry into the
Virginia Criminal Information Network.
B. For purposes of complying with the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004, a retired or resigned law-enforcement officer, including a retired or resigned attorney for the Commonwealth or assistant attorney for the Commonwealth, who receives proof of consultation and review pursuant to this section shall have the opportunity to annually participate, at the retired or resigned law-enforcement officer's expense, in the same training and testing to carry firearms as is required of active law-enforcement officers in the Commonwealth. If such retired or resigned law-enforcement officer meets the training and qualification standards, the chief law-enforcement officer shall issue the retired or resigned officer certification, valid one year from the date of issuance, indicating that the retired or resigned officer has met the standards of the agency to carry a firearm.
C. A retired or resigned law-enforcement officer, including a retired or resigned attorney for the Commonwealth or assistant attorney for the Commonwealth, who receives proof of consultation and review pursuant to this section may annually participate and meet the training and qualification standards to carry firearms as is required of active law-enforcement officers in the Commonwealth. If such retired or resigned law-enforcement officer meets the training and qualification standards, the chief law-enforcement officer shall issue the retired or resigned officer certification, valid one year from the date of issuance, indicating that the retired or resigned officer has met the standards of the Commonwealth to carry a firearm. A copy of the certification indicating that the retired or resigned officer has met the standards of the Commonwealth to carry a firearm shall be forwarded by the chief, Commission, Board, or attorney for the Commonwealth to the Department of State Police for entry into the Virginia Criminal Information Network.
D. For all purposes, including for the purpose of applying the
reciprocity provisions of §18.2-308.014, any person granted the privilege to
carry a concealed handgun weapon pursuant to this
section, while carrying the proof of consultation and favorable review
required, shall be deemed to have been issued a concealed
handgun weapons
permit.
§18.2-308.1. Possession of firearm, stun weapon, or other weapon on school property prohibited; penalty.
A. If any person knowingly possesses any (i) stun weapon as defined in this section; (ii) knife, except a pocket knife having a folding metal blade of less than three inches; or (iii) weapon, including a weapon of like kind, designated in subsection A of §18.2-308, other than a firearm; upon (a) the property of any child day center or public, private, or religious preschool, elementary, middle, or high school, including buildings and grounds; (b) that portion of any property open to the public and then exclusively used for school-sponsored functions or extracurricular activities while such functions or activities are taking place; or (c) any school bus owned or operated by any such school, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
B. If any person knowingly possesses any firearm designed or intended to expel a projectile by action of an explosion of a combustible material while such person is upon (i) the property of any child day center or public, private, or religious preschool, elementary, middle, or high school, including buildings and grounds; (ii) that portion of any property open to the public and then exclusively used for school-sponsored functions or extracurricular activities while such functions or activities are taking place; or (iii) any school bus owned or operated by any such school, he is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
C. If any person knowingly possesses any firearm designed or intended to expel a projectile by action of an explosion of a combustible material within the building of a child day center or public, private, or religious preschool, elementary, middle, or high school and intends to use, or attempts to use, such firearm, or displays such weapon in a threatening manner, such person is guilty of a Class 6 felony and sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years to be served consecutively with any other sentence.
D. The child day center and private or religious preschool provisions of this section (i) shall apply only during the operating hours of such child day center or private or religious preschool and (ii) shall not apply to any person (a) whose residence is on the property of a child day center or a private or religious preschool and (b) who possesses a firearm or other weapon prohibited under this section while in his residence.
E. The exemptions set out in §§18.2-308 and 18.2-308.016
shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the provisions of this section. The
provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) persons who possess such
weapon or weapons as a part of the school's curriculum or activities; (ii) a
person possessing a knife customarily used for food preparation or service and
using it for such purpose; (iii) persons who possess such weapon or weapons as
a part of any program sponsored or facilitated by either the school or any
organization authorized by the school to conduct its programs either on or off
the school premises; (iv) any law-enforcement officer, or retired
law-enforcement officer qualified pursuant to subsection C of §18.2-308.016;
(v) any person who possesses a knife or blade which he uses customarily in his
trade; (vi) a person who possesses an unloaded firearm or a stun weapon that is
in a closed container, or a knife having a metal blade, in or upon a motor
vehicle, or an unloaded shotgun or rifle in a firearms rack in or upon a motor
vehicle; (vii) a person who has a valid concealed
handgun weapons
permit and possesses a concealed handgun or, a stun weapon, or other weapon while in a
motor vehicle in a parking lot, traffic circle, or other means of vehicular ingress
or egress to the school; (viii) a school security officer authorized to carry a
firearm pursuant to §22.1-280.2:1; or (ix) an armed security officer, licensed
pursuant to Article 4 (§9.1-138 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1, hired by a
child day center or a private or religious school for the protection of
students and employees as authorized by such school. For the purposes of this
subsection, "weapon" includes a knife having a metal blade of three
inches or longer and "closed container" includes a locked vehicle
trunk.
F. Nothing in subsection E or any other provision of law shall be construed as providing an exemption to the provisions of this section for a special conservator of the peace appointed pursuant to §19.2-13, other than the specifically enumerated exemptions that apply to the general population as provided in subsection E.
G. As used in this section:
"Child day center" means a child day center, as defined in §22.1-289.02, that is licensed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14.1 (§22.1-289.02 et seq.) of Title 22.1 and is not operated at the residence of the provider or of any of the children.
"Stun weapon" means any device that emits a momentary or pulsed output, which is electrical, audible, optical or electromagnetic in nature and which is designed to temporarily incapacitate a person.
§18.2-308.1:4. Purchase or transportation of firearm by persons subject to protective orders; penalties.
A. It is unlawful for any person who is subject to (i) a
protective order entered pursuant to §16.1-253.1, 16.1-253.4, 16.1-278.2,
16.1-279.1, 19.2-152.8, 19.2-152.9, or 19.2-152.10; (ii) an order issued
pursuant to subsection B of §20-103; (iii) an order entered pursuant to
subsection D of §18.2-60.3; (iv) a preliminary protective order entered
pursuant to subsection F of §16.1-253 where a petition alleging abuse or
neglect has been filed; or (v) an order issued by a tribunal of another state,
the United States or any of its territories, possessions, or commonwealths, or
the District of Columbia pursuant to a statute that is substantially similar to
those cited in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) to purchase or transport any
firearm while the order is in effect. Any person with a concealed handgun
weapons permit shall be prohibited
from carrying any concealed firearm weapon, and shall surrender
his permit to the court entering the order, for the duration of any protective
order referred to herein. A violation of this subsection is a Class 1
misdemeanor.
B. In addition to the prohibition set forth in subsection A, it is unlawful for any person who is subject to a protective order entered pursuant to §16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 or an order issued by a tribunal of another state, the United States or any of its territories, possessions, or commonwealths, or the District of Columbia pursuant to a statute that is substantially similar to §16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 to knowingly possess any firearm while the order is in effect, provided that for a period of 24 hours after being served with a protective order in accordance with subsection C of § 16.1-279.1 or subsection D of §19.2-152.10 such person may continue to possess and, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, transport any firearm possessed by such person at the time of service for the purposes of surrendering any such firearm to a law-enforcement agency in accordance with subsection C or selling or transferring any such firearm to a dealer as defined in §18.2-308.2:2 or to any person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm in accordance with subsection C. A violation of this subsection is a Class 6 felony.
C. Upon issuance of a protective order pursuant to §16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10, the court shall order the person who is subject to the protective order to (i) within 24 hours after being served with a protective order in accordance with subsection C of §16.1-279.1 or subsection D of § 19.2-152.10 (a) surrender any firearm possessed by such person to a designated local law-enforcement agency, (b) sell or transfer any firearm possessed by such person to a dealer as defined in §18.2-308.2:2, or (c) sell or transfer any firearm possessed by such person to any person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm and (ii) within 48 hours after being served with a protective order in accordance with subsection C of § 16.1-279.1 or subsection D of §19.2-152.10, certify in writing, on a form provided by the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court, that such person does not possess any firearms or that all firearms possessed by such person have been surrendered, sold, or transferred and file such certification with the clerk of the court that entered the protective order. The willful failure of any person to certify in writing in accordance with this section that all firearms possessed by such person have been surrendered, sold, or transferred or that such person does not possess any firearms shall constitute contempt of court.
D. The person who is subject to a protective order pursuant to §16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 shall be provided with the address and hours of operation of a designated local law-enforcement agency and the certification forms when such person is served with a protective order in accordance with subsection C of §16.1-279.1 or subsection D of §19.2-152.10.
E. A law-enforcement agency that takes into custody a firearm surrendered to such agency pursuant to subsection C by a person who is subject to a protective order pursuant to §16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 shall prepare a written receipt containing the name of the person who surrendered the firearm and the manufacturer, model, and serial number of the firearm and provide a copy to such person. Any firearm surrendered to and held by a law-enforcement agency pursuant to subsection C shall be returned by such agency to the person who surrendered the firearm upon the expiration or dissolution of the protective order entered pursuant to §16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10. Such agency shall return the firearm within five days of receiving a written request for the return of the firearm by the person who surrendered the firearm and a copy of the receipt provided to such person by the agency. Prior to returning the firearm to such person, the law-enforcement agency holding the firearm shall confirm that such person is no longer subject to a protective order issued pursuant to § 16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 and is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. A firearm surrendered to a law-enforcement agency pursuant to subsection C may be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of §15.2-1721 if (i) the person from whom the firearm was seized provides written authorization for such disposal to the agency or (ii) the firearm remains in the possession of the agency more than 120 days after such person is no longer subject to a protective order issued pursuant to §16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 and such person has not submitted a request in writing for the return of the firearm.
F. Any law-enforcement agency or law-enforcement officer that takes into custody, stores, possesses, or transports a firearm pursuant to this section shall be immune from civil or criminal liability for any damage to or deterioration, loss, or theft of such firearm.
G. The law-enforcement agencies of the counties, cities, and towns within each judicial circuit shall designate, in coordination with each other, and provide to the chief judges of all circuit and district courts within the judicial circuit, one or more local law-enforcement agencies to receive and store firearms pursuant to this section. The law-enforcement agencies shall provide the chief judges with a list that includes the addresses and hours of operation for any law-enforcement agencies so designated that such addresses and hours of operation may be provided to a person served with a protective order in accordance with subsection C of §16.1-279.1 or subsection D of §19.2-152.10.
§18.2-308.1:6. Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearms by persons subject to substantial risk orders; penalty.
It is unlawful for any person who is subject to an emergency
substantial risk order or a substantial risk order entered pursuant to §
19.2-152.13 or 19.2-152.14 or an order issued by a tribunal of another state,
the United States or any of its territories, possessions, or commonwealths, or
the District of Columbia pursuant to a statute that is substantially similar to
§19.2-152.13 or 19.2-152.14 to purchase, possess, or transport any firearm
while the order is in effect. Any such person with a concealed handgun
weapons permit is prohibited from carrying any concealed
firearm while the order is in effect and shall surrender his permit to the
court entering the order pursuant to §19.2-152.13 or 19.2-152.14. A violation
of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§19.2-152.13. Emergency substantial risk order.
A. Upon the petition of an attorney for the Commonwealth or a
law-enforcement officer, a judge of a circuit court, general district court, or
juvenile and domestic relations district court or a magistrate, upon a finding
that there is probable cause to believe that a person poses a substantial risk
of personal injury to himself or others in the near future by such person's
possession or acquisition of a firearm, shall issue an ex parte emergency
substantial risk order. Such order shall prohibit the person who is subject to
the order from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm for the duration
of the order. In determining whether probable cause for the issuance of an
order exists, the judge or magistrate shall consider any relevant evidence,
including any recent act of violence, force, or threat as defined in §
19.2-152.7:1 by such person directed toward another person or toward himself.
No petition shall be filed unless an independent investigation has been
conducted by law enforcement that determines that grounds for the petition
exist. The order shall contain a statement (i) informing the person who is
subject to the order of the requirements and penalties under §18.2-308.1:6,
including that it is unlawful for such person to purchase, possess, or
transport a firearm for the duration of the order and that such person is
required to surrender his concealed handgun weapons permit if he possesses
such permit, and (ii) advising such person to voluntarily relinquish any
firearm within his custody to the law-enforcement agency that serves the order.
B. The petition for an emergency substantial risk order shall be made under oath and shall be supported by an affidavit.
C. Upon service of an emergency substantial risk order, the person who is subject to the order shall be given the opportunity to voluntarily relinquish any firearm in his possession. The law-enforcement agency that executed the emergency substantial risk order shall take custody of all firearms that are voluntarily relinquished by such person. The law-enforcement agency that takes into custody a firearm pursuant to the order shall prepare a written receipt containing the name of the person who is subject to the order and the manufacturer, model, condition, and serial number of the firearm and shall provide a copy thereof to such person. Nothing in this subsection precludes a law-enforcement officer from later obtaining a search warrant for any firearms if the law-enforcement officer has reason to believe that the person who is subject to an emergency substantial risk order has not relinquished all firearms in his possession.
D. An emergency substantial risk order issued pursuant to this section shall expire at 11:59 p.m. on the fourteenth day following issuance of the order. If the expiration occurs on a day that the circuit court for the jurisdiction where the order was issued is not in session, the order shall be extended until 11:59 p.m. on the next day that the circuit court is in session. The person who is subject to the order may at any time file with the circuit court a motion to dissolve the order.
E. An emergency substantial risk order issued pursuant to this section is effective upon personal service on the person who is subject to the order. The order shall be served forthwith after issuance. A copy of the order, petition, and supporting affidavit shall be given to the person who is subject to the order together with a notice informing the person that he has a right to a hearing under §19.2-152.14 and may be represented by counsel at the hearing.
F. The court or magistrate shall forthwith, but in all cases no later than the end of the business day on which the emergency substantial risk order was issued, enter and transfer electronically to the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) established and maintained by the Department of State Police (Department) pursuant to Chapter 2 (§52-12 et seq.) of Title 52 the identifying information of the person who is subject to the order provided to the court or magistrate. A copy of an order issued pursuant to this section containing any such identifying information shall be forwarded forthwith to the primary law-enforcement agency responsible for service and entry of the order. Upon receipt of the order by the primary law-enforcement agency, the agency shall forthwith verify and enter any modification as necessary to the identifying information and other appropriate information required by the Department into the VCIN, and the order shall be served forthwith upon the person who is subject to the order. However, if the order is issued by the circuit court, the clerk of the circuit court shall forthwith forward an attested copy of the order containing the identifying information of the person who is subject to the order provided to the court to the primary law-enforcement agency providing service and entry of the order. Upon receipt of the order by the primary law-enforcement agency, the agency shall enter the name of the person subject to the order and other appropriate information required by the Department into the VCIN and the order shall be served forthwith upon the person who is subject to the order. Upon service, the agency making service shall enter the date and time of service and other appropriate information required into the VCIN and make due return to the court. If the order is later dissolved or modified, a copy of the dissolution or modification order shall also be attested and forwarded forthwith to the primary law-enforcement agency responsible for service and entry of the order. Upon receipt of the dissolution or modification order by the primary law-enforcement agency, the agency shall forthwith verify and enter any modification as necessary to the identifying information and other appropriate information required by the Department into the VCIN and the order shall be served forthwith.
G. The law-enforcement agency that serves the emergency substantial risk order shall make due return to the circuit court, which shall be accompanied by a written inventory of all firearms relinquished.
H. Proceedings in which an emergency substantial risk order is sought pursuant to this section shall be commenced where the person who is subject to the order (i) has his principal residence or (ii) has engaged in any conduct upon which the petition for the emergency substantial risk order is based.
I. A proceeding for a substantial risk order shall be a separate civil legal proceeding subject to the same rules as civil proceedings.
§19.2-152.14. Substantial risk order.
A. Not later than 14 days after the issuance of an emergency
substantial risk order pursuant to §19.2-152.13, the circuit court for the
jurisdiction where the order was issued shall hold a hearing to determine
whether a substantial risk order should be entered. The attorney for the
Commonwealth for the jurisdiction that issued the emergency substantial risk
order shall represent the interests of the Commonwealth. Notice of the hearing
shall be given to the person subject to the emergency substantial risk order
and the attorney for the Commonwealth. Upon motion of the respondent and for
good cause shown, the court may continue the hearing, provided that the order
shall remain in effect until the hearing. The Commonwealth shall have the
burden of proving all material facts by clear and convincing evidence. If the
court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person poses a substantial
risk of personal injury to himself or to other individuals in the near future
by such person's possession or acquisition of a firearm, the court shall issue
a substantial risk order. Such order shall prohibit the person who is subject
to the order from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm for the
duration of the order. In determining whether clear and convincing evidence for
the issuance of an order exists, the judge shall consider any relevant evidence
including any recent act of violence, force, or threat as defined in §
19.2-152.7:1 by such person directed toward another person or toward himself.
The order shall contain a statement (i) informing the person who is subject to
the order of the requirements and penalties under §18.2-308.1:6, including
that it is unlawful for such person to purchase, possess, or transport a
firearm for the duration of the order and that such person is required to
surrender his concealed handgun weapons permit if he possesses
such permit, and (ii) advising such person to voluntarily relinquish any
firearm that has not been taken into custody to the law-enforcement agency that
served the emergency substantial risk order.
B. If the court issues a substantial risk order pursuant to subsection A, the court shall (i) order that any firearm that was previously relinquished pursuant to §19.2-152.13 from the person who is subject to the substantial risk order continue to be held by the agency that has custody of the firearm for the duration of the order and (ii) advise such person that a law-enforcement officer may obtain a search warrant to search for any firearms from such person if such law-enforcement officer has reason to believe that such person has not relinquished all firearms in his possession.
If the court finds that the person does not pose a substantial risk of personal injury to himself or to other individuals in the near future, the court shall order that any firearm that was previously relinquished be returned to such person in accordance with the provisions of §19.2-152.15.
C. The substantial risk order may be issued for a specified period of time up to a maximum of 180 days. The order shall expire at 11:59 p.m. on the last day specified or at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the 180-day period if no date is specified. Prior to the expiration of the order, an attorney for the Commonwealth or a law-enforcement officer may file a written motion requesting a hearing to extend the order. Proceedings to extend an order shall be given precedence on the docket of the court. The court may extend the order for a period not longer than 180 days if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person continues to pose a substantial risk of personal injury to himself or to other individuals in the near future by such person's possession or acquisition of a firearm at the time the request for an extension is made. The extension of the order shall expire at 11:59 p.m. on the last day specified or at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the 180-day period if no date is specified. Nothing herein shall limit the number of extensions that may be requested or issued. The person who is subject to the order may file a motion to dissolve the order one time during the duration of the order; however, such motion may not be filed earlier than 30 days from the date the order was issued.
D. Any person whose firearm has been voluntarily relinquished pursuant to §19.2-152.13 or this section, or such person's legal representative, may transfer the firearm to another individual 21 years of age or older who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm, provided that:
1. The person subject to the order and the transferee appear at the hearing;
2. At the hearing, the attorney for the Commonwealth advises the court that a law-enforcement agency has determined that the transferee is not prohibited from possessing or transporting a firearm;
3. The transferee does not reside with the person subject to the order;
4. The court informs the transferee of the requirements and penalties under §18.2-308.2:1; and
5. The court, after considering all relevant factors and any evidence or testimony from the person subject to the order, approves the transfer of the firearm subject to such restrictions as the court deems necessary.
The law-enforcement agency holding the firearm shall deliver the firearm to the transferee within five days of receiving a copy of the court's approval of the transfer.
E. The court shall forthwith, but in all cases no later than the end of the business day on which the substantial risk order was issued, enter and transfer electronically to the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) established and maintained by the Department of State Police (Department) pursuant to Chapter 2 (§52-12 et seq.) of Title 52 the identifying information of the person who is subject to the order provided to the court and shall forthwith forward the attested copy of the order containing any such identifying information to the primary law-enforcement agency responsible for service and entry of the order. Upon receipt of the order by the primary law-enforcement agency, the agency shall forthwith verify and enter any modification as necessary to the identifying information and other appropriate information required by the Department into the VCIN and the order shall be served forthwith upon the person who is subject to the order and due return made to the court. Upon service, the agency making service shall enter the date and time of service and other appropriate information required by the Department into the VCIN and make due return to the court. If the person who is subject to an emergency substantial risk order fails to appear at the hearing conducted pursuant to this section because such person was not personally served with notice of the hearing pursuant to subsection A, or if personally served was incarcerated and not transported to the hearing, the court may extend the emergency substantial risk order for a period not to exceed 14 days. The extended emergency substantial risk order shall specify a date for a hearing to be conducted pursuant to this section and shall be served forthwith on such person and due return made to the court. If the order is later dissolved or modified, a copy of the dissolution or modification order shall also be attested and forwarded forthwith to the primary law-enforcement agency responsible for service and entry of the order. Upon receipt of the dissolution or modification order by the primary law-enforcement agency, the agency shall forthwith verify and enter any modification as necessary to the identifying information and other appropriate information required by the Department of State Police into the Virginia Criminal Information Network, and the order shall be served forthwith and due return made to the court.
§22.1-131.1. Certain school board property; establishment of gun-free zone permitted.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §15.2-915, in addition to
ensuring compliance with the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, 18 U.S.C.
§922(q), any school board may deem any building or property that it owns or
leases where employees of such school board are regularly present for the
purpose of performing their official duties, outside of school zones, as that
term is defined in 18 U.S.C. §921, as a gun-free zone and may prohibit any
individual from knowingly purchasing, possessing, transferring, carrying,
storing, or transporting firearms, ammunition, or components or combination
thereof while such individual is upon such property. Such prohibition shall not
apply to (i) any law-enforcement officer; (ii) any retired law-enforcement
officer qualified to carry firearms pursuant to subsection C of §18.2-308.016;
(iii) any individual who possesses an unloaded firearm that is in a closed container
in or upon a motor vehicle or an unloaded shotgun or rifle in a firearms rack
in or upon a motor vehicle; or (iv) any individual who has a valid concealed handgun
weapons permit and possesses a
concealed handgun weapon while in a motor
vehicle in a parking lot, traffic circle, or other means of vehicular ingress
to or egress from the school board property.
§44-39.1. Possession of weapons by members at National Guard facilities.
To the extent permitted by federal law and by the terms of any
contract between the Virginia National Guard and a privately owned facility,
any member of the Virginia National Guard who possesses a valid concealed handgun
weapons permit issued pursuant to Article 6.1 (§18.2-307.1
et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 shall be permitted to possess a concealed handgun
weapon owned by such member at all facilities of the
Virginia National Guard and at all privately owned facilities under contract
with the Virginia National Guard. Nothing herein precludes the commanding officer
of any member from prohibiting such member from possessing a concealed handgun
weapon while such member is participating in any training
or other exercises where the commanding officer determines that (i) such
possession would interfere with the conduct of such training or other
exercises, (ii) such possession may result in mission impairment, or (iii) the
member is unfit to carry a handgun weapon.