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Governor Kaine Announces Action on Legislation from Reconvened Session
– Governor signs comprehensive energy legislation –

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced today that he has signed comprehensive energy legislation successfully amended during the 2006 General Assembly Reconvened Session. The Governor also announced the vetoes of eight other measures.

The energy bill, Senate Bill 262, strengthens the state’s energy policy, promoting energy efficiency in appliances and state buildings, and supporting federal efforts to determine the extent of natural gas resources 50 or more miles off the Atlantic coast.

"We must determine the potential size of the natural gas reserves off the coast of the Commonwealth before there is any meaningful discussion of offshore drilling. Otherwise, it is impossible to fairly weigh the benefits of offshore energy against the concerns expressed by the public, the U.S. Navy, and NASA. I am pleased the General Assembly agreed with me that my amendments to Senator Frank Wagner’s bill promote energy efficiency and energy independence while protecting our natural resources."

In addition, the Governor announced the following vetoes today:

House Bill 350 and Senate Bill 676, which would consolidate the two Schools for the Deaf and Blind into one school in Staunton, provide for a continuing regional program in Hampton, and convey the existing Hampton property to a specific nonprofit entity.

"The issue of consolidation has been debated for a number of years. While a consensus exists on consolidation at Staunton, there is disagreement on the appropriate approach going forward for the Hampton property," Governor Kaine said. "The enrolled bills, while good faith efforts, do not achieve the necessary consensus about future use of the Hampton school and associated programs.  Thus, I am vetoing this legislation, but I will continue to work with the patrons and all stakeholders to craft a consensus during the ongoing budget discussions and in the future."

House Bill 370, which would take away existing local government authority to regulate firearms along public highways.

"I am reluctant to take away local authority without a substantial reason, and there has been no demonstrable problem with the existing law," Governor Kaine said. "I proposed that this bill not become law until it was passed again by the 2007 General Assembly, which would have afforded an opportunity for further study of the bill’s effects.  Unfortunately, the House of Delegates rejected this amendment.  Accordingly, I am vetoing this measure."

House Bill 1185, which would significantly alter protection for riparian rights in the Commonwealth.

"The common law of Virginia establishes a framework that protects the riparian rights of those who use our waterways for agricultural, municipal, industrial, recreational and other beneficial uses.   This bill would single out agricultural use in a way that could have significant long-term consequences for downstream uses," Governor Kaine said. "My administration is working with farmers in a cooperative spirit to make sure that new regulations address the concerns of all stakeholders, and that is the appropriate way to address this subject."

House Bill 1290 and Senate Bill 260, which would have addressed machinery and tools taxation of manufacturers by local governments. 

"The previous standard required that machinery and tools must have been idle for 12 months in order to be exempt from taxation, but this bill establishes a much shorter standard of three months,” said Governor Kaine. “I am concerned that this significant change will have a revenue impact on localities.  That is one reason why local governments oppose this bill."

The bill also called for a working group on machinery and tools taxation.  While Governor Kaine has vetoed this legislation, he will convene a working group, led by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and the Commissioner of the Department of Taxation, and to include members of the manufacturing community, as well as local government, that can address this and other issues.

Senate Bill 429, which would remove from the Governor the authority to appoint the Secretary of the Board of Elections.   

“I support the patron’s stated intent of ensuring that the Board of Elections operates in the most efficient and even-handed manner,” said Governor Kaine.  “While I do not believe that this bill is needed to accomplish that result, I will work with the patron and all interested parties to accomplish that goal.”

Senate Bill 689, which would reduce the membership of the Virginia Workforce Council by four members, and the number of Governor’s appointees to the Council by eight.

"Our global economy demands that we dedicate significant resources to educating and training our present and future workforce, and I am committed to working with the General Assembly during my term to give this important issue the attention that it deserves. However, I do not believe that this bill in its current form advances that goal," said Governor Kaine.

 "I am disappointed that the House of Delegates rejected my good faith amendments, which would have restored to the Council two additional members and required that four other members be appointed in consultation with the General Assembly leadership,” the Governor said. “Absent that compromise, I conclude there is no reason for the executive branch to cede this appointment power."

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