GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 368, which relates to the storage of firearms where a minor or person prohibiting a firearm is present. This legislation would limit individuals' access to firearms in their homes.

A similar law was deemed unconstitutional in District of Columbia v. Heller. The court ruled that mandates on storage or trigger locks that make it impractical for citizens to use firearms for the lawful purpose of self-defense are unconstitutional.

The proposed language could prove problematic in cases of necessary home defense when firearm access may be crucial. Further, it would completely disarm individuals who cannot afford a storage device. While the intent may not be to strip the poorest Virginians of their right to self-defense, the proposal would price them out of the market for a fundamental right.

The suggested exemption for carrying weapons is impractical, for example, while sleeping or doing household chores. This exemption leaves individuals with only one option for self-defense; such a requirement would lead to law-abiding Virginians carrying their weapons irresponsibly and dangerously.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.