I support HB1142 because it gives people returning home from incarceration a real chance to rebuild their lives without being immediately crushed by court-imposed debt. In order to give individuals a fair opportunity to rehabilitate, we cannot weigh them down with fines, fees, taxes, or other costs the moment they reenter the community. Those first months are critical. People are trying to secure housing, find a job, reconnect with family, and care for their health. Immediate financial burdens push people into survival mode, making it nearly impossible to move forward. Too often, the system releases someone only to suffocate them in the free world with fines and fees, setting them up to fail and return to incarceration. By delaying immediate payments, this bill balances accountability with compassion. It recognizes that rehabilitation takes time and that breathing room is essential for lasting success. It creates space to regain independence and work toward compliance without feeling trapped by impossible demands. Families and communities benefit when people are supported rather than trapped in cycles of debt and punishment. Supporting this bill is about giving people a fair chance to stand on their own, take responsibility, and move forward with dignity.

I support this bill. My son owes court costs and is serving a long sentence. Once he is released it is going to take him time to find a place and a job (which will almost be near impossible because.of his offense). He will need time to get on his feet before he can even think about court costs. Thank you

I am Scott E. Peyton, Director of Government Affairs at Prison Fellowship, and I am writing to express Prison Fellowship’s support of HB 1142. With nearly 50 years of experience encountering Jesus with men and women behind bars, Prison Fellowship® is a leading national voice shaping the public debate on justice. Our guiding principles are rooted in the biblical call to seek justice, love mercy, and restore hope. In the early period after prison, the risks of recidivism, suicide, drug relapse, homelessness, and unemployment for men and women are particularly high. To aid this transition period, this legislation provides individuals returning from incarceration with a six-month grace period during which they are not required to make payments on court-assessed fines and fees related to their criminal case. This bill does not reduce the amount an individual owes to the court. Virginia has made great strides in supporting successful reentry. We respectfully urge this committee to continue that progress by voting YES on House Bill 1142.