ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, January 23, 1996 TAG: 9601230088
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
Lawmakers on Monday filled the Capitol with paper, meeting their deadline for filing proposed legislation for the 1996 session.
Among the more high-profile, far-reaching bills filed was a measure that would allow the creation of charter schools. The bill, sponsored by Del. Paul Councill, D-Southampton County, would allow parents, teachers and others to create independent schools free of many state regulations.
The bill is similar to one that failed last year, but is less strident, said co-sponsor Del. Phillip Hamilton, R-Newport News. For example, it limits the number of charter schools in each school district to two instead of 10, which was originally proposed. It also would give the local school board the ultimate authority over the charter school.
``It makes it more of an experimental thing,'' Hamilton said.
Sen. Patsy Ticer, D-Alexandria, introduced a bill that would repeal the state's concealed weapons statute, reinstating the requirement that a person demonstrate need in order to obtain a permit. Sen. Joseph Gartlan, D-Fairfax County, last week introduced a similar bill.
Bills filed by Del. Linda Puller, D-Fairfax County, and Sen. Jane Woods, R-Fairfax County, would increase the length of the school year from 180 to 210 days.
Del. George Grayson, D-Williamsburg, introduced a measure that would require heightened security measures at convenience stores open overnight, including a requirement that two or more employees be on duty between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Legislators traditionally wait until the final day to introduce many of their bills.
House Majority Leader Richard Cranwell, D-Vinton, earlier Monday urged colleagues to exercise restraint in submitting legislation.
``Ask yourself if it's something that really has to be done,'' Cranwell said.
He noted that last year legislators could spend an average of just eight minutes on each of the 2,811 bills and resolutions in the hopper.
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines KEYWORDS: GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1996by CNB