(HB2769)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 2769, which prohibits insurance companies from insuring, limiting, or charging different rates for individuals who use pre- exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Most life insurance policies are subject to underwriting, a process that allows insurers to assess an applicant’s risk based on medical history, lifestyle, and occupation. While insurers are rightly prohibited from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or marital status, they retain the ability to assess risk using relevant health and behavioral factors. Singling out one medical treatment for special protection undermines this established process and could set a precedent that invites broader exemptions, potentially destabilizing the insurance market.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.