HB1757: Firearm-free zones designated by the Commonwealth or a locality; waiver of sovereign immunity.

HOUSE BILL NO. 1757

Offered January 13, 2021
Prefiled December 17, 2020
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.
Patron-- McGuire

Committee Referral Pending

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.