The recommendation to Virginia's legislature would remove laws passed in the "tough on crime" era of the 1980s and '90s. The panel found mandatory minimums disproportionately affect Black people and are not implemented consistently.
A new law that attempts to give inmates an incentive to straighten out their lives and reduce their time in custody will take effect in 2022.
“This is a second chances bill,” said Del. Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria, the sponsor of a bill that would automatically seal criminal records for more than 150 offenses.
Gov. Ralph Northam has had sweeping authority to handle Virginia’s coronavirus pandemic. Republicans tried to rein in that power. Democrats shot down their proposals.
State lawmakers are returning to Richmond on Tuesday for a special session that will be packed with debate on police and criminal justice reform, coronavirus pandemic issues, and adjusting the state’s budget.
Democratic legislators have secured a majority of representation on the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, replacing Republica…
Republican Forrest Hite will try to unseat Democratic Del. Chris Hurst this fall.
