(HB466)<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 466, relating reciprocity with other states
regarding concealed handgun permits.</p>

</ul><ul><p>Virginia’s current system of concealed handgun permit
reciprocity works. The Commonwealth recognizes valid concealed weapon permits
issued by other states that meet certain conditions, and a sizeable majority of
other states recognize Virginia’s concealed handgun permits.</p>

</ul><ul><p>The proposed legislation, however, targets law-abiding Virginia
gun owners by restricting the number of states in which permit holders can
carry handguns for self-defense, potentially discouraging gun owners from
visiting the Commonwealth.</p>

</ul><ul><p>In 2015, the previous Attorney General unilaterally revoked
concealed handgun permit reciprocity with twenty-five other states, using a law
similar to the proposed legislation. </p>

</ul><ul><p>A few months later, the General Assembly came together in a
bipartisan effort to restrict the previous Attorney General's authority in
revoking permits. The agreement addressed limitations on firearm possession
during protective orders, implemented heightened background checks at gun
shows, and demonstrated bipartisan unity in navigating the complexities of
firearm ownership and its effects on public safety.</p>

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

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