Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §18.2-311 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 6.1 of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 a section numbered 18.2-308.017 as follows:
§18.2-308.017. Carrying switchblade knife; exception.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of § 18.2-308, any person may carry a switchblade knife concealed when such knife is carried for the purpose of engaging in a lawful profession or [ lawful ] recreational activity the performance of which is aided by the use of a switchblade knife.
§18.2-311. Prohibiting the selling or having in possession blackjacks, etc.
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 that 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.