(HB2350)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 2350, which directs the Department of Emergency Management to develop various standardized guidelines, implement biennial training for agency heads, and provide health and safety training for volunteer organizations incorporated into the Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST).

Although robust mental health support is vitally important for the heroes who put their lives on hold and take the risks involved with responding to an emergency, the implementation of these requirements would impose additional costs not covered in the approved budget. The imposition of rigid statutory mandates may limit a department's ability to adapt strategies based on evolving needs, lessons learned, and operational realities. Much of the work envisioned by this bill can be pursued through existing agency authority and collaboration, without the need for codified requirements. A more flexible, agency-driven approach would better support the development of effective and responsive emergency preparedness systems.

In the coming weeks, I will direct the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), in coordination with other VEST agencies, to provide health and safety training, implement a health monitoring system, and review all guidance documents and training materials to ensure best practices for protecting the health and safety of volunteer organizations incorporated into VEST.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.