I strongly OPPOSE this regulation for the following reasons:

* There has been NO problems with shootings in Virginia state agencies nor anything else to justify this restriction on law-abiding citizens

* Concealed handgun permit holders are the most law abiding group of people in the Commonwealth, yet even they are prohibited from defending themselves in a state agency building under this proposed regulation

* The General Assembly has NOT granted authority to the Governor to be able to prohibit guns in state agencies.  The General Assembly controls the field on firearms laws in Virginia. 

* A bill passed out of the General Assembly this year clarifying that the Governor lacks the authority to prohibit firearms in state agencies, but that bill was vetoed by the Governor!  The will of the People through their elected representation is clear - this regulation is NOT supported by the majority of voters

* All but two of the public mass shootings since 1960 have happened in gun-free-zones; one that this regulation would create. This regulation would increase the danger of a mass public shooting in a state agency, not reduce it.

I strongly urge that the proposed regulation to be WITHDRAWN.