Last year, Governor Youngkin chose to veto an LPP-designed bill to modify the sentences of incarcerated individuals under state supervision, denying relief and potential freedom to more than 1,844 people.

However, Virginia's General Assembly has once again chosen the side of justice and have pushed through two bills (one of which is the same bill we designed last year) that would prioritize retroactive relief. The two separate bills that aim to provide relief to individuals with cannabis-related offenses advanced out of committee and are one step closer to becoming law!

SB 1466 will further streamline state-initiated expungements for cannabis offenses. This bill also aims to seal ancillary records for cannabis charges and arrests. HB 2555 would create a sentence modification process for incarcerated individuals and those under state supervision for eligible cannabis-related offenses.

According to Patron Sen. Surovell (D), "If you have a suspended sentence, probation, parole violations, contempt of court violations, failures to appear in bond appeals - those ancillary matters will be sealed.

LPP's Director of Policy, Adrian Rocha, provided testimony on the bills this week. We will keep you updated as they move forward.