(HB2039)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 2039, which requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to establish a model policy on the use of encrypted telecommunications by law-enforcement agencies.

Encrypted communications by public safety often protects sensitive information, including information pertaining to sexual assaults, crimes against children, and possible personal information about members of the public that law enforcement interacts with.

The best place for departments to choose how to use encrypted communication is at the local level.

I remain committed to ensuring that our law enforcement and public safety partners have the tools they need to address violent crime and support the vital work they do protecting our communities.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.