HB 162

            
2020 SESSION

20103493D

HOUSE BILL NO. 162


Offered January 8, 2020


Prefiled December 23, 2019

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 3 of 
 Chapter 3 of Title 8.01 a section numbered 
 8.01-44.8, relating to firearm-free zones; the Commonwealth and localities; 
 waiver of sovereign immunity.
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Patrons-- McGuire and Cole, M.L.

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Referred to Committee on Public Safety

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia: 
 
 
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 
 3 of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01 a section numbered 
 8.01-44.8 as follows:
 
 
� 8.01-44.8. 
 Firearm-free zones designated by the Commonwealth or a locality; waiver of 
 sovereign immunity.
 
 
Notwithstanding any 
 other provision of law, if (i) the Commonwealth adopts 
 any rule, regulation, or policy, or passes any law, 
 designating any property, or any part of such property, owned or occupied by it 
 as a firearm-free zone or (ii) any locality adopts any ordinance, 
 resolution, or motion designating such locality, or any part of such locality, 
 as a firearm-free zone, the Commonwealth or such locality waives its sovereign 
 immunity as it relates 
 to any injuries sustained by persons lawfully present in such firearm-free 
 zone.