In the latest development from Virginia's regular legislative session, Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin took action on a final batch of bills on Friday. He signed seven measures into law, while vetoing 48, including some closely watched ones related to tax breaks for a Confederate heritage organization and small business skill games.

Among the high-profile vetoes, Governor Youngkin rejected measures that would have ended a tax break for the United Daughters of the Confederacy, a Richmond-based women's group involved in the creation of Confederate monuments. Critics argued that the group's priorities were not aligned with modern values. In his veto statement, Governor Youngkin did not defend or criticize the tax break but highlighted the need for broader tax reform, suggesting that a more comprehensive approach would be more effective than selecting winners and losers.

Additionally, Governor Youngkin vetoed a measure that aimed to protect access to contraception. While expressing his support for contraception, he emphasized the importance of respecting religious freedoms and stated that the recommendations he proposed to the General Assembly addressed this issue. Democrats criticized the veto, accusing Governor Youngkin of disregarding the health and rights of Virginians.

Another controversial veto focused on a bill that would have repealed the authorization for special license plates honoring Robert E. Lee and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Governor Youngkin defended the Department of Motor Vehicles' neutral and impartial process for approving and issuing specialty license plates, even if some find them offensive or controversial.

Governor Youngkin's decision to veto the skill games measure was widely expected. He had sought to overhaul the bill but his proposed changes were overwhelmingly rejected by the Legislature. Skill games, also known as gray machines, have been a source of contention in Virginia for years, with various gambling interests involved in a lobbying battle. While supporters argue that the machines provide opportunities for small businesses, opponents, including casinos and charity gambling groups, have voiced opposition.

In addition to these notable vetoes, Governor Youngkin rejected three gun control measures, including one that would have prohibited firearms in hospitals offering mental health services. Earlier this year, he vetoed several other Democratic gun bills but signed two with broad bipartisan support.

Among the seven bills that Governor Youngkin signed into law, they covered a range of topics, including parental notification of overdoses in schools and granting local governments the authority to lower speed limits.

Governor Youngkin's actions in reviewing the legislative session have sparked both praise and criticism, and it remains to be seen how these decisions will impact the political landscape moving forward. Legislators involved in key issues such as contraception, Confederate heritage, and gun control have expressed their commitment to continuing their efforts and working with Governor Youngkin's administration to find common ground on possible compromise bills.