Bill Would Allow Guns at Private Schools

By Susan Larson

State Del. Mark Cole, R-Fredericksburg, has introduced a bill that would allow possession of a stun gun, knife or firearm on private or religious school grounds, school buses or other property.

The bill, HB 114, would amend existing state law. The summary of the bill reads:

"Eliminates the crimes of possession on the property of a private or religious elementary, middle, or high school; a school bus owned or operated by such school; or any property being used for functions or extracurricular activities sponsored by such school of a stun weapon, knife, or other weapon (currently a Class 1 misdemeanor) or a firearm (currently a Class 6 felony). The bill does not affect the criminal penalties for the possession of such weapons on public school property."

Cole has received contributions from the NRA.

The Virginia General Assembly convenes on Jan. 8, 2014.

Do you think Cole's bill is a good or bad idea? Why? Tell us in the comments.

More on Bills Headed to the 2014 Virginia General Assembly:

• Ban the Box: Bill Would Ax Criminal Background Questions on Job Applications
• Decriminalizing Suicide: Bills Aims to Focus Conversation on Mental Health
• E-Cig Ban for Minors Headed to Virginia House of Delegates
• Bill Would Outlaw 'Revenge Porn' in Virginia
• Bill Would Ban Guns for Stalkers, Domestic Abusers