The state Department of General Services will hold a public hearing next week on its proposed permanent regulation banning concealed firearms in the state’s executive branch offices.

The hearing will be 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 31, in the auditorium of the Pocahontas Building, 900 E. Main St. in Richmond.

In an effort to proactively prevent gun violence, an emergency regulation banning concealed firearms in executive branch of- fices took effect in December. The policy, issued by Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s executive order, prohibited firearms in offices oc- cupied by executive branch agencies. Law enforcement, security or military personnel authorized to carry firearms in accordance with their duties are exempt.

People who want to speak may sign up beginning at 9 a.m. the day of the public hearing. Remarks must be limited to 2 minutes. Public comments also can be submitted online at the Virginia Town Hall regulatory website, which also has the full text of

the proposed regulation.