Senate Bill 1130 torepeal § 18.2-311 of the Code of Virginia
Failed due to negative publicity.
UPDATE (February 18, 2015) – After negative press about SB 1130 by the Washington Post, NPR and other outlets about legalizing brass knuckles, throwing stars, and ballistic knives included in § 18.2-311, the Virginia House voted to reconsider SB 1130. It was defeated by 17-83. One major concern expressed was that there was no age restriction. AKTI will continue to work to repeal and/or revise Virginia State knife law.
UPDATE (February 17, 2015) – The Virginia House voted 56-42 to pass SB 1130 to repeal § 18.2-311.
UPDATE (February 13, 2015) – This legislation passed the Virginia Senate by a vote of 25-13 and referred to the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee.
UPDATE (February 5, 2015) – SB 1130 was reported out of Court of Justice Committee by a vote of 9-4.
(January 14, 2015) – The American Knife & Tool Institute is pleased that Virginia state Senator Thomas A. Garrett (R-22) agreed to introduce a bill to repeal § 18.2-311. Virginia SB 1130 was introduced today and was referred to the Committee for Courts of Justice. It very simply states:
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
That § 18.2-311 of the Code of Virginia is repealed.
§ 18.2-311. Prohibiting the selling or having in possession blackjacks, etc. reads:
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 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.
Passage of SB 1130 will mean that anyone living, working or traveling in the State of Virginia will no longer be automatically guilty of a misdemeanor for having a blackjack, brass or metal knucks, throwing star, oriental dart, switchblade knife, ballistic knife or other like weapon. None of these items are defined in § 18.2-307.1 except ballistic knife. SB 1130 would become effective July 1st.
Confusion over what type of knife is illegal will be eliminated, including the assisted opening knife often confused by individuals and law enforcement as illegal switchblades.
The Virginia legislature convened today January 14, 2015 with a projected adjourn date of February 28, 2015. All laws enacted at regular session take effect July 1.
Encourage your legislators to support this pro-knife bill now. That’s not a lot of time to get this passed!
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