(HB798)<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 798, relating to the purchase, possession, or
transportation of a firearm following a misdemeanor conviction of assault and
battery or stalking.</p>

</ul><ul><p>Individuals convicted of felonious assault and battery or
subsequent instances of stalking already automatically lose their firearms
rights. </p>

</ul><ul><p>Despite Virginians already having mechanisms in place for
disarming individuals deemed dangerous, such as through protective orders, the
proposed legislation seeks to remove a constitutional right for misdemeanor
offenses.</p>

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

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