(HB2555)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 2555, which mandates sentence reconsideration for individuals convicted of marijuana-related felonies before July 1, 2021.

While framed as a measure for non-violent offenders, this bill would allow sentence reductions for individuals convicted of serious crimes, including those involving fentanyl distribution, sales to minors, and violent offenses where marijuana was a factor. The proposal places an undue burden on courts, prosecutors, and victims, requiring hearings even for those whose sentences were enhanced by prior marijuana convictions but were primarily convicted of far more serious offenses.

Public safety must remain the Commonwealth's priority. This bill undermines the justice system by granting automatic sentence reviews regardless of the broader context of an individual's crimes.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.