Governor Youngkin vetoes marijuana legislation, signs 100 into law

Hundreds of bills are passed by both chambers of the the Virginia General Assembly each year and the next step for each is action by the current Governor.

On March 28, 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a hundred bills into law, but vetoed two that would have legalized the sale of cannabis in Virginia. 

“The proposed legalization of retail marijuana in the Commonwealth endangers Virginians’ health and safety,” Youngkin wrote in a statement. “States following this path have seen adverse effects on children’s and adolescent’s health and safety, increased gang activity and violent crime, significant deterioration in mental health, decreased road safety, and significant costs associated with retail marijuana that far exceed tax revenue.”

Both HB698 and SB448 would have allowed a framework for the legal sale of cannabis-products through the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority which would have issued license for sales that would have provided revenue for the Commonwealth. HB698 passed the House on a 51 to 47 vote. 

A total of hundred bills were signed into law. Here is a selection:

• HB128 makes clear that localities that regulate door-to-door activities cannot extend prohibitions to political activities. 
• HB220 would require waterworks and sewage treatment facilities to employ licensed operators. 
• HB223 would prohibit anyone convicted of a felony related to animal cruelty from ever possessing an animal again. Those convicted of misdemeanors for animal cruelty would be prevented from owning an animal for up to five years. 
• The City Attorney for Colonial Heights will no longer have any duties related to the School Superintendent now that HB227 has amended the city’s charter. 
• HB238 requires health insurance providers to cover screening for colorectal cancer.
• HB255 provides that adults in Virginia have the right to seek screening tests for sickle cell disease and that counseling about results must be given. 

Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment comes from the March 28, 2024 edition of the newsletter and podcast.