Another bill drafted in reaction to recent school shooting massacres has made its way out of the Virginia House of Delegates and is on the way to the state Senate.
House Bill 1582 passed the House Wednesday in a 73-25 vote. It would allow hired security guards to carry guns inside private schools or day care centers in the commonwealth. That is currently prohibited in the Virginia code.
Opponents are worried lesser training requirements for security guards could put children at risk.
"We cannot approve sending such poorly trained armed guards into our private schools and daycare centers," said 38th district Delegate Kaye Kory.
On the other hand, supporters of the measure say it is not the state's place to meddle in private affairs.
"We are talking about private schools on private property, and it should be left up to them to decide what they need for their security," said 88th district Delegate Mark Cole, the bill's patron.
House Bill 1582 will now go to the Senate for consideration.
