GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 436, which would allow persons without concealed weapon permits to store firearms in locked compartments in their vehicles.

I have the same concerns with this legislation today as when I vetoed a similar bill two years ago.

This measure runs contrary to existing state law regarding concealed weapon permits, allowing persons who have not completed a criminal background check, and who are untrained with a handgun, to possess a firearm in a concealed manner within a locked compartment in their automobiles.

It also presents a danger to our law enforcement officers, who risk their lives for Virginians on a daily basis while patrolling our Commonwealth's roads and highways.  The objections of law enforcement to this measure are compelling.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.