I oppose a portion of House Bill 1589, which increases the Parole Board from 5 members to 10 members. It is written in a manner that may require prisoners, who do NOT have a life sentence, to get more votes to be paroled. This violates EX Post Facto laws under Article I, Section 9, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution. This bill, if passed, could negatively affect nearly all parole eligible inmates because an overwhelming majority of them do not have a life sentence. The bill seeks to amend Va Code § 53.1-134 to increase the Board from 5 to 10 members. It then seeks to amend Va Code § 53.1-134.1 to require “a panel of NO FEWER THAN three members” to appear at a prisoners parole hearing. (capitalization added). Finally, it seeks to amend Va Code § 53.1-134.1 to state, in relevant part, “A decision to grant discretionary parole shall require the concurrence of a MAJORITY of members present for the final deliberation and vote….” (capitalization and ellipsis added). These amendments may detriment the above-identified prisoners’ chances of being paroled. At present time, the prisoners need 3 of 5 votes to obtain parole. But the bill, as written, may require prisoners to obtain more votes to get parole. If six or seven Board members were to appear at a prisoner's parole hearing, he would need 4 votes to be paroled. If eight or nine Board members were to appear, he would need 5 votes. If ten members were to appear, he would need six votes. This is more than the three votes currently needed for prisoners to get parole. Also, this law could be used as a political weapon against high-profile criminals. Suppose those prisoners have built a compelling resume supporting their release. The Parole Board could convene in full at the final deliberation hearing (i.e. a public hearing) in effort to reduce the prisoner's chances of being released. It is less likely that such prisoners would get 6 votes in favor of parole. For these reasons, the bill must not pass as written.

We strongly support HB1759, which addresses one of the most significant challenges faced by those reentering society after incarceration: the lack of support for a successful transition. This bill ensures that critical educational, vocational, counseling, substance abuse, and reentry services are made available at probation and parole offices statewide. Through our advocacy, we hear stories of individuals desperate to break free from cycles of recidivism but unable to access the tools and guidance they need to succeed. This bill goes further by requiring collaboration with the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement to provide post-release job search assistance. Employment is a cornerstone of stability, and the services outlined in this bill can mean the difference between a fresh start and a return to prison. HB1759 is a step toward accountability, dignity, and real rehabilitation. It not only supports returning citizens but also benefits families, communities, and the Commonwealth as a whole. I urge you to vote in favor of this bill. _________________________________________________________________________________ We strongly support HB1589. This bill takes critical steps toward improving the structure and functioning of the Virginia Parole Board. Increasing the Board’s membership to 10 members not only allows for greater diversity of thought and experience but ensures that each case is given the time and attention it deserves. We’ve heard directly from incarcerated individuals who often feel that their futures hinge on rushed decisions by an overburdened system. By expanding the Board and requiring panels of three to four members for deliberation and voting, this bill introduces a more thorough and thoughtful process, particularly for those serving life sentences. This bill also includes vital provisions for transparency and fairness, ensuring that victims’ voices are heard and that those eligible for parole receive a meaningful review. Parole isn’t just a bureaucratic process; it’s about second chances, accountability, and hope. HB1589 strengthens the system for everyone involved, and we urge you to support it. ________________________________________________________________________________ We regularly hear from incarcerated individuals trapped in solitary confinement—many for months or even years. They share stories of overwhelming despair, debilitating anxiety, and the feeling of losing their very sense of humanity. One man described forgetting how to hold a conversation. Another said he hadn’t felt the sun on his skin in years. These are not isolated accounts—this is the daily reality of restorative housing as used by VADOC. Solitary confinement strips people of basic social skills, fractures their mental health, and leaves them traumatized. How can we expect rehabilitation when we take away their ability to function in the world? Instead of restoring lives, this practice destroys them. HB2647 is a critical step toward replacing cruelty with dignity. It’s time we move toward humane, effective solutions that truly restore lives and strengthen public safety. Please support this bill.

I support the 2nd amendment. As the 2nd amendment is a RIGHT not a privilege I do NOT support these continued attempts to destroy or limit that right in any way shape of form. I support no FEEs on a permit for this right (I SUPPORT HB1569 and HB1559). I support no GUN bills or law that further limits this I right. I DO NOT SUPPORT HB1597. I DO NOT SUPPORT HB 1607.

Gun reform is critical to keeping our communities safe. Every measure we can pass to ensure our loved ones and neighbors are not at risk of the tragedies that has destroyed too many American families and communities already. Background checks need to be more thorough, red flags must be implemented. There is no precaution too small when it comes to senseless violence and loss at the hands of firearms. and, possibly most importantly, no civilian needs to be able to access or use an assault rifle or the materials to build one (ghost guns/kits). These must be banned here and everywhere. Too much carnage has already taken place on our streets, in our schools and in communities across our country. The gun industry has gone unchecked long enough and accountability is needed today. Change is necessary and we can be that change now. Please do whats best and right to keep Virginians safe from gun violence.

I support these bills to make our community safer

Please pass these comments sense safety laws. The county desperately needs them.