GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 338, which directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study the social, physical, emotional, and economic health effects of gun violence.

The Commonwealth has also made great strides in addressing crimes committed with firearms by establishing programs such as the Operation Ceasefire Grant Fund to implement proven methods such as gang reduction programs, funding state and local law enforcement, and supporting nonprofits engaged in group violence intervention.

The Office of Safer Communities also supports community-based strategies to address community violence's root causes through evidence-informed strategies, such as afterschool programs, mentorships, and strategies to build trust between law enforcement and the community. Additionally, the Virginia Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund provides resources for violence intervention programs in localities with disproportionate firearm-related homicides.

Contrary to the historical objectivity and nonpartisanship of JLARC, the proposal would expand the use of studies based on political beliefs. It is troubling that the proposal also makes no mention of criminology or requires JLARC to look at the benefits of self-defense that firearm ownership can provide.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.