CHAPTER 571

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding thereto a section num-
bered 18-118.1, prohibiting the gift, sale or distribution of certain
printed matter to minors under the age of eighteen years, to prohibit
compulsory receipt of such printed matter as a condition to the sale
or delivery of other articles, and providing penalties for violation.

(H 171)
Approved March 31, 1956

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding thereto a section
numbered 18-118.1 as follows:

§ 18-118.1. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to give, sell or
distribute to any minor under the age of eighteen years, or have in his
possession with intent to give, sell or distribute to any minor under the
age of eighteen years, any book, comic book, magazine, pamphlet, leaflet
or other printed matter containing any picture or pictures portraying
CHS. 571, 572, 573] ACTS OF ASSEMBLY 933

(1) acts of lust or obscenity, or (2) other acts which, as portrayed
therein, might reasonably tend to incite such minor to crime.

_ (b) It shall be unlawful for any person, as a condition to a sale or
delivery for resale of any article, to require the purchaser or consignee
thereof to receive any printed matter the gift, sale or distribution of which
is prohibited under paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall not apply to any
publication published not less frequently than once a week in which news
is ordinarily and generally disseminated.

; Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a
fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $200.00, or by imprisonment
for not less than ten days nor more than six months, or both. If two or
more items of printed matter the gift, sale or distribution of which is
prohibited under paragraph (a) of this section, shall be given, sold or
distributed at the same time by the same person, the gift, sale or distribu-
tion of each shall constitute a separate offense.