My name is Cherry Henley. I am the Director of Lending Hands. Lending Hands is an organization that provides supportive services for returning citizens in the Charlottesville VA area. For this reason I am in support of House Bill 838. On a daily basis I see the struggles of those trying to rebuild their lives after incarceration. Lending Hands is in collaboration with the Expungement Council. This bill “ automatic dismissal” would allow many more Virginians the opportunity of fair housing and employment. Let’s support those who are working to a more successful transition.

I support this bill because everyone deserves to have their records expunged if they have already done what they needed to.