Subcommittee advances hospital weapons ban after state police flag off‑duty concern

Senate Bill 173, sponsored by Senator Williams Graves, was recommended by a Senate public-safety subcommittee to the full committee after questions about how the prohibition would apply to off‑duty law‑enforcement officers.

Williams Graves said SB 173 "addresses an ongoing public safety issue, the presence of firearms and dangerous weapons inside hospitals that provide mental health services or developmental services, including emergency departments," and described signage and law‑enforcement exemptions in the draft. Bill Carico, representing the Virginia State Police Association, told the committee the bill as written could bar some off‑duty officers from carrying on hospital property during private activities and suggested adding a definition for law enforcement, referencing "9.1101" in the transcript, to make the intent clear.

Carico also said officers frequently visit hospitals and sometimes encounter individuals they have arrested or who may pose threats; he recommended a targeted drafting change to preserve reasonable exceptions for officers. The sponsor said the provision for persons coming in on temporary detention orders was intentional and that he was willing to work with law enforcement on off‑duty language.

The committee voted to recommend the bill to the full committee, with a recorded committee count showing three in favor and two opposed. The sponsor and representatives said they would continue drafting discussions and consider amendments before floor action.

What happens next: Staff and sponsors will work with the Virginia State Police Association on language clarifying off‑duty exemptions before the bill reaches a full‑committee or floor vote.