(HB2)<font size=-1>
<p>GOVERNOR'S VETO</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul><p>Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of
Virginia, I veto House Bill 2, which creates new penalties for transferring and
possessing certain firearms containing certain components.</p>

</ul><ul><p>The Constitution precludes the Commonwealth from prohibiting a
broad category of firearms widely embraced for lawful purposes, such as
self-defense. Despite this, certain members of the General Assembly have
pursued legislation banning most contemporary semiautomatic firearms and
specific ammunition-feeding devices.</p>

</ul><ul><p>Like all Virginians, I am profoundly troubled by the
occurrences of mass shootings and crimes<i> </i>committed with firearms. The
pain and sorrow inflicted by criminals with heinous intentions are truly
heart-wrenching and should not be minimized for our communities, the victims,
or their families.</p>

</ul><ul><p>Virginia has some of the strictest gun laws in the country.
Unfortunately, the Commonwealth has reduced penalties for criminals,
contributing to violent crime. Enhancing penalties for crimes committed with
firearms will reverse this trend. Our most significant gap, however, has been
in our behavioral health system, which is why substantial investments in
behavioral health are necessary. </p>

</ul><ul><p>That twofold approach can provide a real solution without
creating outcomes that would affect law-abiding citizens and violating our
constitutional rights.</p>

</ul><ul><p>Accordingly, I veto this bill. &nbsp;</p>

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