SB950: Muzzle-loading rifle ordinances; removes authority of localities to adopt ordinance that permit use.

SENATE BILL NO. 950
Offered January 10, 2007
Prefiled January 9, 2007
A BILL to amend and reenact § 29.1-528 of the Code of Virginia, relating to muzzle-loading rifle hunting ordinances.
Patron-- Quayle
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 29.1-528 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 29.1-528. Counties or cities may prohibit hunting with certain firearms.

A. The governing body of any county or city may, by ordinance, prohibit hunting in such county or city with a shotgun loaded with slugs, or with a rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire. However, such ordinance may permit the hunting of groundhogs with a rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire between March 1 and August 31. Such ordinance may also permit the use of muzzle-loading rifles during the prescribed open seasons for the hunting of game species. Any such ordinance may also specify permissible type of ammunition to be used for such hunting.

B. No such ordinance shall be enforceable unless the governing body notifies the Director by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which the ordinance is to take effect.

C. In adopting an ordinance pursuant to the provisions of this section the governing body of any county or city may provide that any person who violates the provisions of the ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.