Fairfax's Push for Gun Limits Dies in House

Abill promoted by Fairfax County to ban the carrying of guns into certain areas of police stations and other law enforcement buildings died in a state House subcommittee yesterday.

Fairfax County Police Chief David M. Rohrer pushed for the bill, in part because of the shooting deaths of two officers outside the Sully police station in May. The measure, sponsored by state Sen. Richard L. Saslaw (D-Fairfax), passed the Senate unanimously Feb. 1. But it did not survive yesterday's hearing in a subcommittee of the House Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety, chaired by Del. Thomas C. Wright Jr. (R-Lunenburg). The panel's other four members also represent primarily rural areas opposed to gun restrictions.

Fairfax Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerald E. Connolly (D) expressed frustration with the bill's demise and said it reflects a lack of understanding of the challenges urban counties face with gun violence.

-- Bill Turque

HPV Vaccine Bill Moves to Senate

Identical versions of a bill to require all girls entering the sixth grade to receive a vaccine for the sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer have passed the House and a Senate panel.

The Senate Education and Health Committee approved the House version on a voice vote Thursday. If the full Senate passes the bill without changing it, it would head to the governor for consideration.

Because the vaccinations would not be required until the 2009 school year, supporters say there is sufficient time to study any possible side effects.

About 99 percent of instances of cervical cancer, which kills 10 women a day nationwide, are linked to the human papillomavirus, or HPV, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

-- Associated Press

Permission Rule for School Clubs Fails

Legislation requiring students at public schools to have a parent's permission to participate in certain clubs has died in a Senate committee.

The bill failed on a 9 to 6 vote Thursday in the Senate Education and Health Committee. The bill would have required parents of middle school and high school students to identify clubs they didn't want their children to join.

Gay rights advocates said the bill was intended to undermine gay-straight alliances -- clubs formed to encourage tolerance and provide a haven for homosexual students to discuss their problems.

Opponents said such decisions should be left to school boards.

-- Associated Press