(SB872)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 872, which authorizes the Portsmouth City manager to engage in race and sex-based decision making.

There are significant constitutional, legal, administrative, and economic challenges presented by this bill. Enforcing these remedial measures could expose the City to costly lawsuits for potential violations of state or federal laws, including equal protection clauses. Policies that prioritize race or gender over qualifications may discourage competition, reduce efficiency, and undermine the city's economic growth by eroding confidence in a fair and merit-based process.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.