City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 28, 2019
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
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Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Prohibit Firearms on City Property. (Second Reading, Public Hearing and Final Passage Scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2019.)(This item is not a public hearing)
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ISSUE: Consideration of an ordinance to prohibit firearms on City property.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council pass the ordinance (Attachment 2) on first reading and schedule it for second reading, public hearing and final passage on Saturday, September 14, 2019.
BACKGROUND: Gun violence and the resulting need for common sense gun safety laws, rules and regulations has been a longstanding issue in Virginia and in the United States. However, pursuant the Dillon Rule, Virginia law precludes local governments from enacting local gun control measures, including but not limited to any prohibition on firearms in City buildings or on City property.
In response to the mass shooting in Virginia Beach on May 31, 2019, Governor Northam called for a Special Session of the General Assembly - which is being held concurrent with the City Council meeting on July 9, 2019 - to address "the emergency of gun violence in Virginia." The Governor indicated that one of his priorities for this Special Session is legislation to expand local authority to regulate firearms, including in government buildings.
This ordinance is presented in hopeful anticipation of action by the General Assembly during the Special Session on this issue, specifically the passage of legislation to afford localities authority to adopt or enforce any ordinance, resolution, or administrative policy to prohibit or restrict the possession, transportation, or carrying of firearms in public bui...
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