GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 384, which relates to employee conduct during time designated periods for public comment.

I would like to commend the patron for his efforts to champion freedom of speech and expression. The importance of this issue is especially apparent because of the egregious firing of a teacher by the Loudoun County School Board for expressing his deeply held religious beliefs at a public forum. Thankfully, the Virginia Supreme Court recognized the right of the employee to express his religious views. Additionally, the freedom of speech and expression are already protected by U.S. Const. Amend. I, Va. Const. art. I, § 12, and Va. Code §§ 2.2-3103 and 2.2-2902.1.

Despite the positive intentions, the legislation has practical implications for the effective management of state government that may lead to significant confusion when state employees comment during legislative or regulatory public comment periods.  I strongly support the foundational principle of free speech and as Governor will always be an advocate for policies that protect this founding principle.  I look forward to engaging with this legislation in the next legislative session.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.

GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION

That the amendment in the nature of a substitute (22108053D) be accepted.