This is just a horrible idea. You don’t mix more firearms with small children.
— Rebecca Caffrey, One Million Moms For Gun Control
Several gun-rights supporters, many wearing lapel stickers saying “Guns Save Lives,” spoke in favor of the bill. They argued that maintaining schools as “gun-free zones” makes children easy targets.
RICHMOND, Va. — Legislation to arm Virginia public school employees was sent Thursday night to Gov. Bob McDonnell’s school-safety task force.
A historically pro-gun-rights legislative subcommittee deferred Del. Bob Marshall’s bill at the request of the administration, which wants legislation filed in response to December’s mass school shooting in Connecticut to be vetted by the 45-member Task Force on School and Campus Safety. The task force, co-chaired by McDonnell’s top public safety and mental health officials, has been tasked with making recommendations before the General Assembly adjourns next month.
Marshall’s bill would require school boards to designate one person in every school who would be authorized to carry a concealed handgun on school property. The armed person could be a teacher, volunteer or other staff member who would undergo the same rigorous training as police officers. People who volunteer for the position would pay for their own training.
“This is just a horrible idea,” said Rebecca Caffrey of One Million Moms 4 Gun Control. “You don’t mix more firearms with small children.”
Read the entire story at cbslocal.com
