(HB797)<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 797, which amends the requirements for concealed
handgun permits.</p>

</ul><ul><p>This legislation prohibits recognized and widely accepted
firearm safety and training courses from being valid for evidence of
demonstrated competence in firearms safety for obtaining a concealed handgun
permit or training minors in pneumatic gun use. Consequently, this change could
compromise Virginians' safety and increase the likelihood of individuals
circumventing these requirements.</p>

</ul><ul><p>This legislation would necessitate the Department of Criminal
Justice Services (DCJS) to become the exclusive certifying agency for courses
essential to prove competence for obtaining a concealed handgun permit.
However, DCJS primarily serves as a criminal justice agency, and its firearm
training and safety courses are tailored for that specific purpose, not
addressing the broader needs of the general public.</p>

</ul><ul><p>Additionally, the new requirements establish barriers to
determining competency, introducing bureaucratic obstacles that impede an
individual's right to self-defense.</p>

</ul><ul><p>This additional government approval process, funded by taxpayer
dollars, is despite the established effectiveness of existing certifications
currently available.</p>

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

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