Bill HB-1063, a repeal of the Kings Dominion Law, was passed by the Virginia House of Delegates in a 76-23 vote but was killed in a Senate Subcommittee in a 9-6 vote. VA Code § 22.1-79.1, otherwise known as the Kings Dominion Law, prevents Virginia public schools from starting before Labor Day. The bill was passed in 1986 to help Virginia’s tourism industry, especially amusement parks such as Kings Dominion. This law has been upheld for many years thanks to the frequent lobbying of the tourism industry.

The motion to repeal the bill was brought up several times over the years, but made no significant progress in the Virginia Legislature.

Junior Jenny Liu was for the repeal of the Kings Dominion Law. “I don’t want [school] to start earlier because it might ruin my Labor Day weekend plans.”

Many school principals support the repeal of the bill, which would have given schools greater scheduling flexibility. An earlier start to school would have given teachers more time to prepare for the school year and school could end before the usual late June dismissal date. “I think it’s ridiculous that we still have that law,” said Mr. Ragone. “If [the repeal bill] passed, it would give teachers more time to do what they do.”