If there’s one thing folks in Virginia know, it’s that more government doesn’t always mean better results.
Governor Glenn Youngkin just reminded us of that by vetoing two bills last week that could’ve added more rules and risks into our lives.
Let’s talk about what happened and why it matters.
What Did Youngkin Veto?
Governor Youngkin blocked two major bills:
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An AI bill (HB 2094) – This one would have made it illegal to use fake, AI-generated images or videos of political candidates within 60 days of an election.
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A marijuana sales bill – This would’ve set up a legal market for recreational marijuana sales across the state.
Now, that might sound reasonable to some folks at first glance. After all, nobody wants deepfakes lying about politicians, and plenty of people already smoke weed.
So why veto them?
Well, the Governor had some solid reasons — and they line up with the kind of common sense that says government shouldn’t be sticking its nose into everything.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s veto statement for the horrible Virginia AI (HB 2094) bill is out, and he absolutely nails what was so bad about this bill:
✅“The regulatory framework called for by HB 2094 would undermine this progress, and risks turning back the clock on Virginia’s… https://t.co/MrEa5TN1Yr
— Adam Thierer (@AdamThierer) March 25, 2025
Vetoing the AI Bill: “Let’s Not Kill Innovation”
Let’s start with the AI bill. The idea behind it was to stop the spread of false videos or images right before an election.
Sounds good, right?
But here’s the thing: The bill was written in a way that could end up punishing innocent people or stifling free speech.
That’s a big red flag.
Governor Youngkin said the bill would “limit innovation and free expression.” He’s not wrong.
New technology like artificial intelligence is moving fast — and if we overreact with government rules, we might end up doing more harm than good.
Imagine if the government had cracked down on the internet back in the ’90s because of fears about misinformation. Where would that have left us today?
Probably without smartphones, online banking, or even Netflix. That’s the kind of slippery slope we’re talking about.
Youngkin is saying we should be careful — not careless — when it comes to new tech.
Don’t let fear drive laws that can end up hurting freedom and innovation.
No to Pot Shops: “Let’s Keep Our Communities Safe”
Now, on to the marijuana bill.
This one would’ve created a whole new system to sell recreational weed in stores — like you see in places like California, Colorado, and Nevada.
Youngkin wasn’t having it.
He pointed to the “clear risks to the health and safety of Virginians, especially young people,” and he’s got a point.
In short, legal weed doesn’t always lead to a better, safer community.
Sometimes it just brings more crime, more addiction, and more headaches for families and law enforcement.
Governor Youngkin made it clear he doesn’t think this is the direction Virginia needs to go.
What Critics Say
Supporters of the AI bill say it would protect voters from being tricked by fake videos. And fans of legal weed argue it’s time to stop criminalizing something that many people already use.
But Youngkin — and many conservatives — believe the solution isn’t more government. It’s smarter government.
Instead of jumping to regulate everything new or risky, let’s slow down and think things through.
Big Picture: A Governor Standing His Ground
In a time when some politicians want to “do something” about every new issue, Governor Youngkin is doing something different: He’s pushing back.
He’s reminding lawmakers — and all of us — that not every problem needs a new law, and not every risk needs government control.
Sometimes the best thing a leader can do is say “no,” especially when our freedoms are on the line.
And for folks who believe in limited government, personal responsibility, and common sense, that’s a win.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
