Virginia 2023 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SB112

Introduced
1/6/22  

Caption

Parole statutes; application for juveniles and persons committed upon certain felony offenses.

Impact

The bill intends to create a clearer framework for determining parole eligibility for a cohort of offenders. One critical change is the provision that allows individuals who have served lengthy sentences for crimes committed as juveniles to potentially access parole after a minimum of 20 years of incarceration. This aspect has significant implications for those previously sentenced to life due to offenses committed in their youth, serving as a potential reform in the area of juvenile justice.

Summary

SB112 amends the parole statutes in Virginia, specifically addressing the applicability of these laws to juveniles and individuals convicted of certain felony offenses committed on or after January 1, 1995. The bill stipulates that individuals sentenced to incarceration for such offenses will not be eligible for parole, with some exceptions for certain cases that involve jury sentences prior to June 9, 2000. The focus is on a structured approach to parole applicability that acknowledges specific situations involving juvenile offenders.

Contention

Discussion surrounding SB112 indicates that there are varying opinions on its effectiveness and implications. Supporters argue that this reform gives hope to rehabilitated individuals seeking a second chance, particularly in the case of juvenile offenders who were subjected to harsh sentences. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the risks of releasing individuals who had committed serious felonies, suggesting that public safety needs to be carefully balanced with the opportunities for rehabilitation.

Companion Bills

VA SB112

Carry Over Parole statutes; application for juveniles and persons committed upon certain felony offenses.

Previously Filed As

VA SB112

Parole statutes; application for juveniles and persons committed upon certain felony offenses.

VA SB917

Parole statutes; application for juveniles and persons committed upon certain felony offenses.

VA HB2220

Parole; exception to limitation on the application of parole statutes.

VA SB110

Juvenile offenders; parole eligibility.

VA SB449

Juveniles; juvenile correctional centers, eligibility for parole.

VA SB109

Offenders under 21 years of age; parole.

VA SB1155

Postrelease supervision; revocation of parole, supervision of certain felons, etc.

VA SB1245

Parolee or felon; arrest & return when serving a period of postrelease supervision.

VA HB2230

Parolee or felon; arrest & return when serving a period of postrelease supervision.

VA SB745

Marijuana-related offenses; modification of sentence.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.