States / Virginia / HB 229

HB 229 Passed

Weapons; possession prohibited in hospital that provides mental health or developmental services.

Introduced
In Committee
Floor
Crossed Over
Passed
Enacted

Weapons; possession prohibited in a hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services; penalty. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly and intentionally possess in the building of any hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services in the Commonwealth, including an emergency department or other facility rendering emergency medical care, a (i) firearm, (ii) knife with a blade over three and one-half inches, or (iii) other dangerous weapon, including explosives and stun weapons. The bill also provides that notice of such prohibitions shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance of any hospital and that no person shall be convicted of the offense if such notice is not posted, unless such person had actual notice of the prohibitions.

The bill provides that such firearm, knife, explosive, or weapon shall be subject to seizure by a law-enforcement officer and forfeited to the Commonwealth and specifies certain exceptions to the prohibition. This bill is identical to SB 173.

Chamber
House
Introduced
Jan 8, 2026
Last action
Apr 15, 2026 — Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (4/15/2026 7:32 am)
Session
2026
Momentum
90 · Very high