Virginia Parole Board; powers and duties; juvenile offenders; parole procedures and considerations. Increases the members of the Virginia Parole Board (the Board) from up to five to at least 11 members, five of whom shall be appointed by the Governor within 60 days of inauguration, three of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates within 60 days of a new House being sworn in during a Senate election year, and three of whom shall be appointed by the Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules within 60 days of a new Senate being sworn in after an election, and all of whom shall be subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, if in session when such appointment is made, and if not in session, then at its next succeeding session. The bill specifies that all members of the Board shall have significant professional experience working in criminal law, corrections, reentry and community services, or victim services and that the Board members appointed by the Governor shall include (i) an attorney with significant experience in criminal prosecution; (ii) an attorney with significant experience in criminal defense; (iii) a qualified mental health professional with relevant background in adolescent development, trauma responses, psychology, and decision-making; and (iv) a representative of a crime victims organization or a victim of crime. These provisions of the bill have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2028.The bill also requires the Board to provide a meaningful opportunity for release to certain juvenile offenders eligible for parole and specifies various factors the Board shall give substantial weight to when making a determination on whether to grant parole to such juvenile offender. The bill allows a juvenile offender to request for reconsideration or appeal of a decision by the Board not to grant parole based on (a) the Board's failure to give substantial weight to such juvenile offender's age and its related mitigating circumstances as required by the bill or (b) the Board's overreliance on static factors such as the nature and circumstances of the offense and failure to ground its decision in evidence of maturity, rehabilitation, and a lack of present danger to public safety. The bill requires the Board to provide individualized reasons for the grant or denial of parole upon reconsideration or appeal.The bill also requires that if parole is denied for any such juvenile offender, each Board member shall identify his reasoning for such decision at the time such member's vote is cast, including any youth-related factor and evidence of maturity and rehabilitation that was considered. The bill requires that the Board provide to such prisoner for whom parole is denied recommendations to demonstrate commitment to rehabilitation and at the next hearing, the Board is required to consider whether the prisoner has followed such recommendations. The bill also requires the Board to annually review the cases of such juvenile offenders eligible for parole. This bill is identical to SB 60.
Sponsored bills
Firearm industry members; standards of responsible conduct; civil liability. Creates standards of responsible conduct for firearm industry members and requires such members to establish and implement reasonable controls regarding the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, and marketing of the firearm industry member's firearm-related products, as those terms are defined in the bill. Such reasonable controls include reasonable procedures, safeguards, and business practices that are designed to (i) prevent the sale or distribution of a firearm-related product to a straw purchaser, a firearm trafficker, a person prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, or a person who the firearm industry member has reasonable cause to believe is at substantial risk of using a firearm-related product to harm themselves or unlawfully harm another or of unlawfully possessing or using a firearm-related product; (ii) prevent the loss of a firearm-related product or theft of a firearm-related product from a firearm industry member; (iii) ensure that the firearm industry member complies with all provisions of state and federal law and does not otherwise promote the unlawful manufacture, sale, possession, marketing, or use of a firearm-related product; (iv) prevent the installation and use of an auto sear on firearm-related products; and (v) ensure that the firearm industry member does not engage in an act or practice in violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The bill also provides that a firearm industry member may not knowingly create, maintain, or contribute to a public nuisance, as defined in the bill, through the sale, manufacturing, importing, or marketing of a firearm-related product. The bill creates a civil cause of action for the Attorney General or a local county, city, or town attorney to enforce the provisions of the bill or for any person who has been injured as a result of a firearm industry member's violation to seek an injunction and to recover costs and damages. The bill also allows the Attorney General to issue a civil investigative demand if he has reasonable cause to believe that any person has engaged in, is engaging in, or is about to engage in any violation of such standards of responsible conduct.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes and commends the Arlington County Bar Association for its contributions to the legal community. It does not create new laws or change any policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the organization's work. The measure was passed by both the House and Senate through voice votes without requiring a formal vote count.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes and commends Stella D. Garcia, an individual being honored for unspecified contributions. The legislation is a ceremonial resolution that does not create new laws, allocate funds, or alter existing policies. It was passed by both the House and Senate through voice votes and is now awaiting final action. The measure serves as a public acknowledgment rather than establishing any concrete policy changes or affecting specific groups.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally commends Brad Hughes, a specific individual, for unspecified contributions or achievements. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or change existing policies, as it is a purely ceremonial resolution. The measure was passed by both the House and Senate through voice votes and serves as an official recognition rather than a legislative action with enforceable provisions.
Maddy summaryHJ 234 is a commendation bill that formally recognizes the Reston Community Players for their contributions to the local arts scene. The legislation does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of the group's efforts. Passed by both the House and Senate, this measure is purely ceremonial and has no legal or financial impact on the community.
Maddy summaryThis bill honors the life of Kitty Clark Stevenson through a commemorative resolution. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal recognition of her contributions. The measure was passed by both the House and Senate and is now awaiting final approval.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes and commends the Roanoke Chapter of Continental Societies, Inc. It does not create new laws or change any policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the organization's contributions. The legislation was passed by both the House and Senate through voice votes and is intended to honor the group's achievements. No funding, regulations, or operational changes are included in this measure.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes Jo Anne Perry Maxwell with a commendation. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of her contributions. The measure was passed by both the House and Senate through voice votes without requiring a formal roll call.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the life of Catherine Agnes Martin Hudgins. It does not create new laws or policies but serves to officially recognize her contributions and legacy. The measure has been passed by both the House and Senate and is awaiting final approval. Such bills typically result in a formal acknowledgment or memorial rather than substantive legislative change.