With gun control debates still making headlines legislators in Fairfax County are changing laws to protect law enforcement and the public.

Since 2014, Loudoun County, Fauquier County, and the City of Alexandria has banned loaded guns on highways. On Tuesday, Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors met to discuss the policy after the general assembly urged them to follow suit earlier this year.

“We have too many guns that are too easily accessed by individuals already,” said Sharon Bulova, Chair of Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

“It’s a very common sense piece of legislation…not gonna solve the world’s problems but it’s gonna make a little bit of a positive difference, and that’s what’s important,” said John Foust, Dranesville District Supervisor.

The law bans loaded shotguns and rifles in cars with exceptions for law enforcement and certain businesses. The meeting drew mixed emotions.

“I have an 18 year old grandchild who was born after columbine. She tells me she’s afraid to go to the mall, to music venues and movies,” said Sharon Wunder, Gun violence Activist with Herndon-Reston Indivisibles.

“It requires police to handle firearms that they’re not familiar with. So this would really endanger more the gun owner because who knows where the rifle would be pointed while they try to figure out how to unload it,” said Philip Van Cleave, President of Virginia Citizens Defense League.

Despite opposition, the board unanimously passed the law which will take effect January 1, 2019. Violators will be fined $100.

