Dear Delegates, please support HB 673 to provide Improved visibility of animal cruelty cases. As one who has volunteered with shelters for years and seen the abuse, and also attended court cases where abusers obtained animals from other jurisdictions because no database exists identifying abusers, this is such an important step forward in protecting animals. And it serves the public interests by keeping courts, shelters, veterinarians, pet stores, breeders and communities informed. Thank you.

Support for HB 673 – Animal Cruelty Database On behalf of Blue Ridge Animal Welfare League, I respectfully support HB 673, which directs the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia to include a separate Animal Cruelty List within the existing publicly viewable court case information system. HB 673 does not create a new registry, penalty, or enforcement authority. It simply improves transparency by organizing already-public court records related to animal cruelty offenses, including cruelty to animals, animal fighting, maiming or poisoning of animals, and offenses against police animals. The bill is prospective, limited in scope, and relies entirely on existing court infrastructure. This balanced approach supports public safety, informed decision-making, and accountability while respecting due process. For these reasons, Blue Ridge Animal Welfare League, respectfully urges the Committee to support and report HB 673. Submitted by: Blue Ridge Animal Welfare League Patrick County, Virginia

Support for HB 673 – Animal Cruelty List on Supreme Court Case Information System The Virginia Animal Protection Group respectfully supports HB 673, as substituted, which directs the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia to include a separate Animal Cruelty List within the existing publicly viewable online case information system. HB 673 does not create a new registry, penalty, or enforcement mechanism. Instead, it improves public transparency by organizing already-public court records into a clearly identifiable category for animal cruelty–related offenses, including cruelty to animals, animal fighting, maiming or poisoning of animals, and offenses against police animals. The bill relies entirely on the existing court case information system authorized under §17.1-293.1 of the Code of Virginia. The substitute appropriately limits the scope of information displayed to basic case details—offender name at the time of charge or conviction, offense, date, and jurisdiction—and applies only to cases charged or convicted prospectively. This approach balances transparency with due process and avoids retroactive application. Improved visibility of animal cruelty cases serves important public interests, including public safety, judicial efficiency, and informed decision-making by courts, shelters, veterinarians, and communities. Courts already categorize and surface other serious offenses in similar ways, and HB 673 simply ensures that animal cruelty offenses are treated with the same seriousness and clarity. For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Committee to report HB 673. Submitted by: Bob Tubbs - Virginia Animal Protection Group Statewide nonprofit organization focused on animal welfare, public safety, and community education

I am writing to voice my strong opposition to HB 853. This "Second Look" resentencing legislation represents a fundamental shift in Virginia’s justice system that prioritizes the interests of violent offenders over the safety of our communities and the peace of mind of crime victims. HB 853 would allow individuals convicted of serious felonies to petition a court to reduce or change their sentences after 15, 20, or 25 years. This effectively grants a "second bite at the apple" that overturns long-standing Virginia law regarding the finality of criminal sentences. When a judge or jury hands down a sentence, it is based on the gravity of the crime and the need for public safety. Allowing these cases to be reopened decades later undermines the authority of our courts and the stability of our legal system. Perhaps the most concerning aspect of HB 853 is the toll it takes on victims. For many, the conclusion of a trial is the only way they can begin the long process of healing. By allowing offenders to seek resentencing, this bill forces victims back into the courtroom to testify again and relive the most traumatic moments of their lives. No victim should be forced to look over their shoulder every five years wondering if their attacker will be granted a "second look" hearing. While the bill mentions a work group to study victim-notification systems, this is a hollow promise. A "study" provides no immediate or guaranteed protections. It is irresponsible to create a pathway for the early release of violent offenders before robust, meaningful protections for victims are already established and proven. Our legal system is already overburdened. HB 853 would trigger a wave of petitions and hearings, placing an immense strain on our courts, prosecutors, and probation systems. Diverting these limited resources toward re-litigating decades-old crimes is a disservice to taxpayers and a distraction from the pursuit of justice in current, pending cases. Sentencing should be clear, final, and focused on accountability. HB 853 creates a dangerous precedent that suggests sentences are merely "suggestions" rather than firm consequences for violent actions. This bill shifts the focus away from the victims of crime and toward the comfort of those who have committed serious felonies. For the sake of community safety and the rights of victims, I urge you to oppose HB 853. Virginia must maintain a justice system that honors the finality of its sentences and ensures that "life" or "long-term incarceration" remains a meaningful standard for the most serious crimes.

Leniency is not rehabilitation. That being said a criminal convicted of a violent felony, murder, rape , kidnapping, 1st degree assault after being found guilty and sentenced is incarcerated in the Penal system to protect society. This proposed legislation seeks to remove the protection afforded citizens by the judicial system. I do not support this.

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Invasives should be pulled or killed by herbicide and not be permitted to be sold in nurseries

HB 1396 I think we are past the time in which dogs are needed to hunt. It's dangerous for land owners and promotes animal cruelty. I have plenty of horror stories i can share as well as a potential animal neglect tip i can share with you regarding a possible hunting organization.

Please vote YES on this.

I support this bill. There most certainly should be a list of people who are found guilty of harming an animal that is public. I say they remain on there for life of the individual.