GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 1856. This bill would require that an individual who owes restitution be placed on an indefinite period of probation, until all restitution is paid.

This bill would move Virginia toward criminalizing the inability to pay restitution. It is unclear whether imposing indefinite probation would have any effect other than to expend resources tracking individuals who are simply unable to pay.

My Administration’s approach to public safety has emphasized community-based law enforcement practices, successful prisoner re-entry, and increased economic opportunities for all Virginians. The results speak for themselves: Virginia has the lowest recidivism rate in the nation.

At the Reconvened Session, I offered a substitute amendment to House Bill 1856 that would have provided the opportunity to assess its approach’s effectiveness by applying it as a pilot program, sunsetting its provisions in 2019, and directing the Crime Commission to monitor its effects. This amendment was rejected.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.

GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION

That the amendment in the nature of a substitute (17106008D) be accepted.