RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Virginia State Crime Commission plans to study private sales of firearms at gun shows -- a practice that's been criticized by gun-control advocates.

In Virginia, private sellers at gun shows don't have to run background checks on prospective customers. Some demanded the so-called loophole be closed after the Virginia Tech killings last year.

The commission last week agreed to study state and federal firearms laws so the General Assembly will have a clear understanding of the gun-show law in any future legislative debates. But it doesn't plan to recommend any proposed laws -- because of the issue is politically divisive.

Only licensed firearms dealers are now required to conduct criminal-background checks of buyers at gun shows in Virginia.