(HB1873)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 1873, which removes the conditions requiring that any person arrested for a felony who has previously been convicted of a felony, who is presently on bond for an unrelated arrest in any jurisdiction, or who is on probation or parole, be released only upon a secure bond.

These individuals facing another felony charge present a clear flight risk and a threat to public safety, necessitating a secure bond requirement for a pre-trial release.

Supporters of the bill contend that the law ignores the possibility of successful rehabilitation and reentry for an individual previously convicted of a felony. However, the bill includes not only individuals who have successfully completed probation on a previous conviction, but also two additional groups of individuals who, when probable cause is found that a new offense has been committed, are either currently undergoing the rehabilitative efforts of probation for a recent conviction, or already subject to a bond for a pending criminal offense.

Furthermore, under current law, the secure bond requirement can be waived if the judicial officer approves, and the concurrence of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is obtained. This legislation is unnecessary and would pose a risk to public safety if enacted.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.