(SB744)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 744, which relates to firearm transfers to another person from a person subject to a protective order or convicted of a misdemeanor.

I continue to join the patrons in their pursuit of condemning domestic abuse, it is unequivocally deplorable. Make no mistake, Virginia should ensure that domestic abusers are dealt with appropriately, and those who resort to illegal firearm use, especially, should face severe and harsh punishments.

When making my decision on this bill both times it has come to my desk, I considered public safety, enforceability, efficacy, and individual liberty. Regrettably, I stated last year, the legislation fails to achieve its intended purpose and this bill is identical to last year's.

Furthermore, the necessity of this legislation is uncertain. The existing legal framework addresses firearm possession in cases of domestic abuse. Courts have the power to require the transfer of firearms from individuals, and law enforcement can obtain a search warrant to seize for illegally possessed weapons.

Avoiding inadvertent compromises to public safety, policies should refrain from disarming individuals not subject to a court order, making other family members less safe, which contradicts our shared goal. The arbitrary age prohibition on certain transfers adds further complications. Finally, the proposal results in intrusive government actions that affects the entire household, not just the individual under the order.

As we have reached the end of my final legislative session in office, I am disappointed that I have not received more legislation to increase mandatory minimums for armed criminals. I urge the General Assembly to accept my amendments on a number of bills that would tangibly decrease acts of heinous firearm violence without punishing law abiding citizens.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.