GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 1167, which creates local civil penalties on the sale of English Ivy. 

While the intent to regulate invasive species is praiseworthy, this bill proposes a prohibition on a single species, potentially establishing a precedent for banning other legal plant species in the future. Such a precedent could sow confusion and inconsistency in regulations statewide. 

The prospect of a patchwork of laws requires small business owners and garden enthusiasts to navigate complex legal landscapes. The most effective approach to addressing this issue is education and allowing the market to determine what is best for Virginians. 

Accordingly, I veto this bill.