RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ The Virginia Senate has narrowly defeated a proposal to allow concealed handguns on school property. The Republican-controlled chamber rejected Sen. Thomas Garrett’s measure on a 20-18 vote Monday. Three Republicans _ Majority Leader Tommy Norment of James City County, Walter Stosch of Henrico County and John Watkins of Powhatan County_ voted with minority Democrats to defeat the bill. The measure would have allowed concealed-handgun permit holders to bring their guns onto school grounds outside normal school hours when no school-sponsored activities are taking place. Garrett, a Buckingham County Republican, said his bill would allow legally armed citizens to avert gun tragedies by confronting shooters bent on violence. Opponents said the measure would sow confusion because schools serve as community centers and it’s hard to know which activities are school-sponsored.
