I reject the Department's assertion that "[a]llowing concealed carry in [state] facilities exposes our state employees and fellow citizens to unnecessary risk." This claim is baseless. Thousands of people all throughout Virginia carry arms as a part of their daily routine. The General Assembly expressly permits citizens to carry concealed throughout the Commonwealth, but DGS takes the meritless position that these citizens become untrustworthy when they enter a state-owned facility.

I also reject the Department's contention that Virginia Code §§ 2.2-1100(B), 2.2-1102(A)(1) and 2.2- 1129(B) provide the necessary authority to promulgate these regulations.