(HB1797)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 1797, which changes how Virginia recognizes concealed-carry permits from other states.

Virginia’s current system of concealed handgun permit reciprocity with other states works well. The Commonwealth recognizes valid concealed weapon permits issued by other states that meet certain conditions, and a sizeable majority of other states recognize Virginia’s concealed handgun permits.

The proposed legislation, however, targets law-abiding Virginia gun owners by restricting the number of states in which permit holders can carry handguns for self-defense, potentially discouraging gun owners from visiting the Commonwealth. In addition it places additional, unnecessary burdens on the Virginia State Police.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.