GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 696, which requires a mandatory hearing to review reducing sentences for individuals currently incarcerated or on community supervision for felony marijuana convictions.

This bill grants eligibility to a significant number of violent felons who have already received a full and fair hearing.

Ninety-seven inmates convicted of a violent felony offense, such as first and second-degree murder, kidnapping, and robbery, would be eligible for a reduced sentence under this proposal.

In total, the proposal grants eligibility for approximately three hundred fifteen inmates. Of those, one hundred eighty individuals received convictions for selling, distributing, or manufacturing other illegal drugs and narcotics, including fentanyl. Other inmates received convictions for serious offenses, including felony distribution to minors.

Now is not the time to allow an imprudent resentencing process that undermines public safety.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.