24104295D
<br><center><b>SENATE BILL NO. 368 </b></center>

<center>Senate Amendments in [ ] – January 31, 2024</center>

<i>A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section
numbered <a href="http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-308.7:1">18.2-308.7:1</a>, relating to storage of firearms in a residence where a minor
or person prohibited from possessing a firearm is present; penalty.</i>

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<center>Patrons Prior to Engrossment--Senators Boysko, Bagby, Favola
and Salim; Delegate: Shin </center>

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<center>Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice </center>

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<p>Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:</p>

<p>1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section
numbered <a href="http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-308.7:1">18.2-308.7:1</a> as follows:</p>

<p><i class=new>&sect;<a href="http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-308.7:1">18.2-308.7:1</a>. Storage of firearms; penalty.</i></p>

<p><i class=new>A. Any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where
such person knows that a minor</i> [ <s class=str><i class=new>under 18 years of age</i></s> ] <i class=new>or
a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is present shall
store such firearm and the ammunition for such firearm in a locked container,
compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited
person. A firearm may be stored loaded, provided that (i) such firearm is
stored in a biometric storage device and (ii) no minor</i> [ <i class=new>or prohibited
person</i> ] <i class=new>is an authorized user for the lock of such biometric storage
device. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 4
misdemeanor. </i></p>

<p><i class=new>B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i)
any person in lawful possession of a firearm who is carrying such firearm on or
about his person or (ii) the storage of any antique firearm as defined in &sect;
<a href="http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-308.2:2">18.2-308.2:2</a>.</i></p>

<p><i class=new>C. Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing
any person from lawfully authorizing a minor to access a firearm in accordance
with &sect;<a href="http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-56.2">18.2-56.2</a>.</i></p>

<p><i class=new>D. Every dealer, as defined in &sect;<a href="http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-308.2:2">18.2-308.2:2</a>, shall post
in a conspicuous manner at the premises of such dealer a notice stating:
&quot;Any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows
that a minor</i> [ <s class=str><i class=new>under 18 years of age</i></s> ] <i class=new>or a person who is
prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is present shall store such firearm
and the ammunition for such firearm in a locked container, compartment, or
cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person. A violation of
this law is a Class 4 misdemeanor.&quot;</i></p>