Senate committee passes by for the day measure to allow Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind to reestablish police force

Senators debated and then passed by for the day (PBI) a bill that would restore authority for the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind to establish a police force.

Why it matters: Supporters said students at the residential campus are particularly vulnerable and that a campus police force trained to communicate with deaf and blind students would offer protection and continuity of care that a general security force or a small local police department cannot provide.

Senator Head told the committee that the school previously had a police force and that a code change removed their authorization during prior updates; the proposed measure would restore it. He and Senator Fobola, each with board experience or ties to the school, described the campus population as "deaf, blind, or deaf and blind" and said residents stay on campus during the week.

Senator Head and others said the policy would require only a modest appropriation. The committee did not record a formal roll call for the final disposition; the transcript shows a voice vote on a substitute motion to pass the bill by for the day, recorded as "Aye," and the clerk later noted "By for the day." The committee’s action sends the measure for additional consideration, including budget review.

Ending: The bill was passed by for the day to allow further examination and potential budgetary review; proponents said restoring police authority would improve campus safety and specialized communication with students.