Virginia Senate Bill SB135

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/22
• Refer: 1/8/22

Caption

Virginia Parole Board; increases membership, records, monthly report.

Impact

The legislation will amend existing statutes in the Code of Virginia, specifically §§53.1-134 and 53.1-136, which outline the composition and responsibilities of the Virginia Parole Board. By expanding the Board's membership, the bill has the potential to foster a more comprehensive approach to the considerations surrounding parole decisions. This expansion emphasizes accountability and responsiveness to victims of crime while still maintaining the importance of rehabilitation in the parole process.

Summary

SB135 proposes an increase in the membership of the Virginia Parole Board from up to five to eleven members. This change aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Board by allowing a broader range of perspectives, particularly by including representatives from crime victims' organizations. The bill seeks to modernize the structure of the Parole Board to better serve the needs of the community and address the needs of rehabilitating offenders in Virginia's prison system. The increased membership is intended to ensure that decisions regarding parole are more reflective of diverse community interests and informed by various experiences and professional backgrounds.

Contention

While the bill has seemingly garnered support for its intentions of inclusivity and modernizing the parole process, there are underlying tensions regarding how the increased membership will function in practice. Some critics may argue that adding more members could complicate decision-making processes and extend the time needed to process parole applications. Others may be concerned about the influence of crime victims' representatives on parole decisions, particularly in balancing the needs of rehabilitation with public safety concerns.