Governor Youngkin Signs Seven Bills, Vetoes 48 in Final Legislative Action

Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia made headlines on Friday as he took action on a final batch of bills from the year’s regular legislative session. While he signed seven bills into law, he vetoed 48 others, sparking controversy and debate among lawmakers and constituents.

Among the vetoed bills were measures that would have ended a tax break for a Confederate heritage organization and allowed small businesses to host skill games similar to slot machines. Youngkin’s decision to veto these bills came after the legislature rejected his proposed amendments, with the governor stating that the measures were “not ready to become law.”

One of the most closely watched vetoes was on legislation related to contraception, with Youngkin expressing support for access to birth control but citing concerns about religious freedoms. Democrats criticized the veto, accusing Youngkin of disregarding the health and rights of Virginians.

Additionally, Youngkin vetoed a bill that would have eliminated tax exemptions for the United Daughters of the Confederacy, a group known for erecting Confederate monuments. The governor did not defend or criticize the tax break but called for a more comprehensive reform of property tax exemptions.

In a move that was widely expected, Youngkin also vetoed a bill related to skill games, a contentious issue in Virginia. The governor sought to overhaul the bill with stricter regulations, but the legislature rejected his changes. Youngkin’s veto of the skill games measure comes after years of debate over the legality of these machines in small businesses.

Overall, Youngkin’s actions on the final batch of bills have sparked discussions on a range of issues, from Confederate heritage to gun control. The governor’s willingness to veto certain measures while signing others into law highlights the complexities of governance in a politically divided state.