GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to § 6 of Article V of the Constitution of Virginia, I am returning without my signature House Bill 402.

This legislation would compensate an individual for loss of property allegedly caused by a wild animal. Evidence to support that allegation is unclear. I recognize that property loss can be devastating, whatever the value of the property. However, states are not liable for property loss caused by a wild animal. Providing the compensation called for in this legislation could set a precedent for the Commonwealth to be financially responsible in events such as car collisions with deer. Clearly, the Commonwealth cannot and should not take on that responsibility.