MODEL BILLS
Protection Against Guns in State Buildings Act
Summary: Hate groups are threatening legislatures and government offices across the nation. The Protection Against Guns in State Buildings Act makes it illegal, with a few exceptions, to bring guns or explosives into government buildings.
An expansion of Virginia SB 1381 (2021)
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
This Act shall be called the “Prohibition Against Guns in State Buildings Act.”
SECTION 2. PURPOSE
This law is enacted to protect state employees and residents from gun violence.
SECTION 3. PROHIBITION AGAINST GUNS IN STATE BUILDINGS
After section XXX, the following new section XXX shall be inserted:
(A) DEFINITIONS—In this section:
1) “State building” means:
a) The Statehouse and any building that serves as an office of the legislature;
b) Any building that serves as an office of any agency of state government; and
c) [Any building that serves as an office of any subdivision of the state, including offices of cities, counties and towns.]
2) “An office” means a building where employees of the state or any agency thereof are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties.
3) “Gun-free zone” means:
a) The state-owned grounds, land, real property and improvements of the Statehouse and the Governor’s Mansion; and
b) Any public-owned land, including streets and sidewalks, within 1,000 feet of a courthouse or public school.
(B) GUNS GENERALLY PROHIBITED IN STATE BUILDINGS
1) It is unlawful for any person knowingly to possess a firearm as defined in [cite] or explosive material as defined in [cite] while in a state building or a gun-free zone.
2) This shall not apply to the following individuals while they are acting in the conduct of their official duties:
a) A law-enforcement officer as defined in [cite];
b) A retired law-enforcement officer who is visiting a gun range owned or leased by the state or a subdivision thereof;
c) A correctional officer who is on duty at a correctional institution;
d) An employee of the [Department of the Environment] while on duty on a job that requires the possession of a firearm; or
e) A person who receives prior authorization from the governmental authority who has responsibility for the security of that building or gun-free zone.
3) Notice of the provisions of this section shall be posted conspicuously at each location where it applies.
(C) ENFORCEMENT
A violation of this section is punishable as a [Class 1 misdemeanor]. Any firearm or explosive material carried in violation of this section shall be subject to seizure by a law-enforcement officer and forfeited to the state and disposed of as provided in [cite].
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
This law shall become effective on July 1, 202X.