I oppose HB99 and HB102. Both bills increase mandatory minimums and penalties. That removes discretion from judges and replaces it with rigid sentencing. Judges are in the best position to weigh facts, intent, and risk. Mandatory minimums block that judgment, even when a different outcome would better serve public safety. Harsher penalties do not reduce crime. We have decades of data showing that sentence increases expand incarceration without changing behavior. These policies shift power to charging decisions, not the courtroom. They push people into pleas driven by fear of extreme sentences. Virginia does not need more mandatory minimums. We need sentencing that fits the person and the conduct. For these reasons, I urge opposition to HB99 and HB102.

I write in Support of Delegate Ballard's HB 102. Currently, Voluntary Manslaughter has the same penalty as much lesser crimes and is punishable only as a Class 5 Felony (10 year punishment). This means that in Virginia, a person can receive more jail time for stealing a check or credit card than killing someone. This Bill would bring the punishment more in line with the offense. I request that the House vote in favor of HB 102.