I'm going to preface this by saying all of the below as a middle aged Black military veteran. I'm not involved in a militia and I didn't vote for Trump. I vote for the candidates that best supports me. Both parties have failed me. You ALL are horrible. Regarding both HB11 and HB113, I'd rather not give up any inalienable right, especially if I've been a law-abiding citizen, which I have. I should not have to give up rights, or even jump through hoops to prove I'm qualified because others broke laws. If a person shoots someone (as an example), that person should be held accountable, not folks who were not involved in the crime. Adding layer upon layer of bills to circumvent inalienable rights is wrong. These two bills are needless layers that hurt law-abiding citizens but do nothing to folks that willing violate written law. What other right has so many qualifiers as the 2nd Amendment? The 2nd does not grant citizens the right to bear arms. The 2nd affirms that the right to keep/bear arms is natural and that the government shall not infringe upon that right. If anything, it's telling the people and the government that the right shall not be violated. You all are attempting to further violate that right by adding yet another layer of needless bills. Is there an argument that current laws aren't working? Does the committee discuss why the current laws aren't working and attempt to shore up the gaps by tweaking existing laws (not creating new bills)? As well, in reference to HB11, a knife is an arm, which is covered under the 2nd (right to bear ARMS). Carrying a knife is a protection for most folks (a secondary defense tool, or even a utility tool). If the concern is that someone will use those tools to murder or assault, murder and assault are already against the law. Possession of those tools do not and should not qualify a person to be unlawful, unless that person already has a criminal record or are using the tools in commission of a crime. Intent should always be the driving factor in determining if a person is unlawfully using or possessing the tool. Legislating laws that involve of a tool that is guaranteed as a right by the 2nd is a poor law. Please do better than approving these bills that are in committee. If they are not sound bills, please do not approve them. Voting along party lines does not make bills satisfactory. The context of the bills make bills satisfactory, AFTER determining if the bills don't violate the rights of the citizens. The committee should be striving to protect and defend the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Virgina. Do the right things in doing your job...don't do what is easiest or most popular based on party lines. Do what is proper. I already know the above will fall on deaf ears but thank you for your time.

I oppose all these unconstitutional, dangerous, and pointless laws.

Inmate need education in the facilities. In order for them to succeed in life to come home to the cold world they definitely need education.

The end of solitary confinement must be done My son was murdered in solitary confinement at Red Onion Prison in Pound Va on 1/3/22.

I support this bill. This is the information technology age and many of the correspondence courses are online. There are many courses that are offered for free, but that's due to the fact that it's online and they don't have to mail tests and materials. We live in a nation that is judgmental and unforgiving, and yet when men and women in prison try to improve their lives and pay to rehabilitate themselves (because VADOC is not doing it), it seems like they have more road blocks. My husband's materials were tossed in the trash as Sussex I and I paid over $2K for that course. We were never offered a refund from the institution and the materials disappeared into thin air thanks to some of the impulsive, rude, corrections officers at that prison. As a result of their actions, my husband was not able to complete his courses and my hard-earned money was tossed in the trash. There is plenty of software to make sure they only access certain pages when learning online. If the workplace can block pages, so can the prisons. Pass this bill!

My Loved One who is housed at Keen Mountain has been searching for colleges that have paper correspondence courses for the incarcerated with no luck. Allowing those incarcerated to be able to do online courses will have a great, positive impact on their lives and future. It will lead their rehabilitation into a positive and hopeful future. Thank you!

NA

As an educator and college professor, I strongly support this bill. People behind bars who participate in higher education programs have 48 percent lower odds of returning to prison than those who do not. This means safer communities, lower prison populations and it saves taxpayers money. Most importantly, it provides meaningful rehabilitation and a sense of purpose. Increasing access to higher education means a safer prison environment for both residents and staff because data shows when this is available it decreases violence and infractions. Since COVID, the VADOC has decreased programming significantly throughout all facilities. This could counter this issue. I urge you to ensure these programs are offered at all facilities. We often see minimal jobs, programming, classes at higher levels. Education is a fundamental human right so please support HB 1121 to expand access to education to all Virginians.

I support these Bills!

As an educator for over 30 years and a member of Valley Justice Coalition, I strongly support this bill. With Pell Grants now available for those behind the walls and our Community Colleges begging for students, this is the time to offer this life changing event that will open doors for the rest of their lives. Please Vote YES for HB1121.