HOUSE BILL NO. 1774 Offered January 10, 2007 Prefiled December 28, 2006 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 9 of Title 18.2 a section numbered 18.2-415.1, relating to disorderly houses. ---------- Patron-- Cosgrove ---------- Committee Referral Pending ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 9 of Title 18.2 a section numbered 18.2-415.1 as follows:

§ 18.2-415.1. Disorderly house, definition, penalties.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or operate, for himself or for any other person, or as an officer of or agent for any corporation, association, club lodge or other organization, or under the guise of any corporation, association, club lodge or other organization, any disorderly house. It shall be unlawful for any person to frequent or visit any disorderly house for the purposes set forth in subsection D.

B. The governing bodies of counties, cities, and towns are authorized to adopt ordinances prohibiting and punishing the acts and conduct prohibited by subsection A.

C. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

D. "Disorderly house" means a house or building where persons meet or may meet for the purpose of unlawfully dispensing or indulging in intoxicating liquors, unlawful gaming, or boisterous or other disorderly conduct.