Testimony from Last Prisoner Project, a national non-profit, in support of HB26.

I write in support HB 26. Virginia has made a deliberate policy decision to legalize and decriminalize certain marijuana-related conduct. HB 26 reasonably addresses the remaining question of how to treat individuals who were sentenced under prior law for conduct that is no longer criminal. The bill is narrow and careful in its approach. It does not require resentencing, does not diminish judicial discretion, and does not raise public safety concerns. It simply allows courts to evaluate whether continued punishment is appropriate in light of current law. HB 26 promotes fairness and consistency in the application of Virginia’s criminal justice policy. I urge the committee to give it favorable consideration.

My husband is currently incarcerated serving a four year sentence on a marijuana charge with the handgun. He is a model citizen and should be allowed to at least serve 50% of his time due to mandatory minimum on a marijuana charge with the weapon he is serving his full term and should be home with his family. He is a non-violent criminal and deserves to be able to serve his time honesty with at least parole or probation..

It is time to enact ong overdue reform in our prisons, jails, and courts.