17100835D
HOUSE BILL NO. 1432
Offered January 11, 2017
Prefiled November 16, 2016
A BILL to amend and reenact §18.2-311 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 6.1 of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 a section numbered 18.2-308.017, relating to carrying a switchblade knife; exception.
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Patron-- Ware
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Committee Referral Pending
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That §18.2-311 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 6.1 of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 a section numbered 18.2-308.017 as follows:

§18.2-308.017. Carrying switchblade knife; exception.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of §18.2-308, any person may carry a switchblade knife concealed when such knife is carried for the purpose of engaging in a lawful profession or recreational activity the performance of which is aided by the use of a switchblade knife.

§18.2-311. Prohibiting the selling or having in possession blackjacks, etc.

If any person sells or barters, or exhibits for sale or for barter, or gives or furnishes, or causes to be sold, bartered, given or furnished, or has in his possession, or under his control, with the intent of selling, bartering, giving or furnishing, any blackjack, brass or metal knucks, any disc of whatever configuration having at least two points or pointed blades which that is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, switchblade knife, ballistic knife as defined in §18.2-307.1, or like weapons, such person is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. The having in one's possession of any such weapon shall be prima facie evidence, except in the case of a conservator of the peace, of his intent to sell, barter, give or furnish the same.