(HB2158)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 2158, which establishes a functional literacy program within the Virginia Department of Corrections.

I remain committed to fostering a correctional system that promotes rehabilitation and successful reentry into our communities. This is evidenced by my signature on the bipartisan reforms enacted during the 2023 legislative session that improved the Department of Corrections' utilization of restorative housing and Executive Order 36, Stand Tall – Stay Strong – Succeed Together Initiative—a proactive, dynamic, data-driven and comprehensive across-government approach, to support reentry success and prevent recidivism. Executive Order 36 includes an emphasis on accelerated programs for low-level learners, continuing education for those incarcerated, and expanded collaborations with the community college system through Pell grants.

Additionally, this year I was proud to sign bipartisan legislation to reform our probation system and incentivize positive behavior and activities.

However, this bill fails to properly consider several factors that must be addressed before implementing new correctional education initiatives. Unfortunately, the General Assembly did not accept my amendments to delay the enactment of this bill until after the current JLARC corrections education review study is complete. The Department of Corrections already provides an evidence-based literacy program, and deferring new legislative mandates does not prevent core services from being delivered. Consequently, this legislation would duplicate a number of efforts currently underway to review and improve upon correctional education while diverting taxpayer dollars, state resources, and the time of high-level state leaders and their agencies for the next six years.

While I agree with the underlying desire to constantly innovate and improve the effectiveness of our correctional system, we must ensure that all factors are considered and the input of all stakeholders is accounted for before we act prematurely and introduce an unpredictable number of unintended consequences. This bill is unnecessary given the comprehensive JLARC study already in progress which will better inform future legislative efforts.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.