The Department of General Services (DGS) has issued proposed permanent regulations banning concealed firearms in Executive Branch offices as provided by Executive Order 50 (McAuliffe 2015) and is seeking public comment regarding the proposed permanent regulations. Public comments may be posted on Virginia TownHall found at: http://townhall.virginia.gov/L/viewchapter.cfm?chapterid=2905.

A hearing to gather comments will be held on August 31, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Pocahontas Building located at 900 E, Main Street, Richmond, VA  23219.  Anyone who wishes to speak at the public hearing must sign up at the event. Sign-up begins at 9:00 a.m., and speakers will be called in the order in which they signed up. There is no pre-registration. All speakers are limited to two minutes. All persons and bags are subject to search prior to entering the auditorium. No signage will be allowed. Seating capacity is limited to approximately 125 individuals and will be provided on a first-come basis. In an attempt to maximize the number of comments delivered during the hearing, speakers can continue to register even after seating capacity has been met, with the understanding that the ability to speak is time-permitting and that those who sign up after seating capacity has been met may not be able to remain in the auditorium after speaking.