Bill to Allow Districts to Set School Opening Date Hits Snag

A bill giving local school districts more flexibility when their school year starts hit a major obstacle on Thursday when a Senate committee voted to pass the bill "indefinitely."

The Senate Health, Education and Welfare Committee voted 9-6 to pass by indefinitely the bill introduced by , reports NBC's First Read - DMV. 

That action means that particular bill will not be considered again this session. 

Officials with Fairfax County Public Schools and Alexandria City Public Schools  have sought the right to open school before Labor Days. Gov. Bob McDonnell recently showed his support for the idea.

The tourism lobby argued that starting school before Labor Day would hurt their industry because they use many low-wage student workers to increase their staff during the summer. An earlier school start could force them to change that business model.

However, Thursday afternoon a House subcommittee will take up several bills, all which would let school districts set their own calendar.