(HB362)<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 362, which relates to the purchase, possession, or
transportation of a firearm following a misdemeanor conviction of assault and
battery.</p>

</ul><ul><p>I join the patrons in their pursuit of condemning domestic
abuse; it is unequivocally deplorable. Virginia should ensure that convicted
domestic abusers are dealt with appropriately and those who resort to illegal
firearm use, especially, should face severe and harsh punishments. To that end,
Virginia already has mechanisms for disarming dangerous individuals, such as
through protective orders.</p>

</ul><ul><p>Individuals convicted of felony assault and battery already
automatically lose their firearm rights. This proposal, however, aims to extend
the prohibition of firearm possession for misdemeanors beyond existing
restrictions for family and household members. It would now encompass a vaguely
defined category of intimate partners without an objective standard.</p>

</ul><ul><p>Additionally, changing the definition of family or household
member has far-reaching effects, such as the jurisdiction of juvenile and
domestic courts, petitions for relief of custody, and whom a court may prohibit
contact with following a conviction for recruitment for criminal street gangs. </p>

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

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