The Virginia Senate Courts of Justice Committee voted kill a bill patroned by State Sen. Barbara Favola (D-Arlington), that would allow localities to prevent firearm retailers from operating within 1,000 feet of a school’s property. Firearm retailers are allowed through an exception in federal law to operate within the 1,000 feet so-called “Gun Free Zone” surrounding schools. Localities do not have the authority in Virginia to deny a firearm retailer a use permit, even when the retail shop would be within 1,000 feet of a school.

Senator Favola said, “Localities should have the authority to determine whether firearm retailers should be allowed next to our schools. This is not about gun control, this is about empowering localities to make the decisions that reflect their communities’ values and protecting children from unnecessary risk.”