Seal of the Governor
For Immediate Release: March 21, 2019
Contacts: Alenaa Yarmosky, Alena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov

Governor Northam Vetoes Legislation Permitting Possession of Switchblade Knives for Sale or Distribution Outside of Virginia

RICHMOND—Governor Northam today vetoed Senate Bill 1251, which would permit a manufacturer or distributor in Virginia to possess switchblade knives for sale out of state, despite an existing prohibition on the sale and distribution of such knives in the Commonwealth. The Governor’s veto statement is below.

March 21, 2019

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 1251, which would permit the sale and possession of switchblade knives by a manufacturer or distributor in Virginia.

The Virginia General Assembly has deemed switchblade knives to be so dangerous that they have prohibited their sale or distribution in the Commonwealth. This bill would permit manufacturers and distributors in Virginia to possess these dangerous weapons for sale out of state. If switchblade knives are too dangerous to be sold in Virginia, we should not facilitate their sale and distribution in other states.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.

Sincerely,

 

Ralph S. Northam

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