(HB1713)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 1713, which would allow general district courts and juvenile and domestic relations district courts to retain jurisdiction over felony cases for the purpose of referring the accused to a specialty docket.

This proposal would grant unprecedented jurisdiction to courts that are not designed to handle the most serious crimes. Additionally, circuit courts retain the authority to refer certain individuals accused of a felony to a specialty docket if it deems this approach appropriate.

Virginia boasts one of the most robust court systems in the United States. General district courts were specifically established to handle misdemeanors and lesser offenses. While I am deeply committed to expanding opportunities for rehabilitation and successful reentry within Virginia’s justice system, it is essential that these efforts do not compromise public safety. Furthermore, the restructuring of jurisdictions would delay closure for victims.

Felony cases should remain within courts of record that are properly equipped with the necessary processes to manage such serious cases.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.