(HB318)<font size=-1>
<p>GOVERNOR'S VETO</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul><p>Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of
Virginia, I veto House Bill 318, which relates to civil penalties for firearm
industry members.</p>

</ul><ul><p>The federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA)
already provides a framework for addressing civil actions against firearms
industry entities concerning negligent entrustment and defects. This federal
law, grounded in common sense and common law principles, prevents baseless
litigation that could financially devastate a lawful industry with exorbitant
legal fees. Other lawful industries, such as vaccine producers, have similar
protections.</p>

</ul><ul><p>Even under Presidents Obama and Biden, the Department of
Justice has consistently defended the PLCAA. The DOJ has argued against
attempts by states to implement regulatory schemes as a loophole to the PLCAA,
deeming them unconstitutional and lacking merit.</p>

</ul><ul><p>Our legal system should prioritize punishing criminals rather
than targeting law-abiding manufacturers and retailers within the firearms
industry.</p>

</ul><ul><p>Accordingly, I veto this bill. &nbsp;</p>

</ul></font>