- The Washington Times - Thursday, January 26, 2012

RICHMOND — A bill to repeal a mandate that Virginia schools open after Labor Day failed to make it out of Senate committee Thursday morning.

The legislation was opposed by Virginia’s tourism industry but supported this year by Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican.

Repealing the so-called “Kings Dominion Law” — named after the theme park and a nod to the tourism lobby behind it — garnered support from educators and was part of Mr. McDonnell’s education package. But the Senate Education and Health Committee voted it down, 9-6.

School systems must currently apply for a waiver from the state if they want to open before Labor Day.

A House subcommittee on Thursday approved its version of the bill, which will likely now face another vote from the same Senate committee if it passes the full House.

• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.

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