I support this bill. My son owes court costs and is serving a long sentence. Once he is released it is going to take him time to find a place and a job (which will almost be near impossible because.of his offense). He will need time to get on his feet before he can even think about court costs. Thank you

I am Scott E. Peyton, Director of Government Affairs at Prison Fellowship, and I am writing to express Prison Fellowship’s support of HB 1142. With nearly 50 years of experience encountering Jesus with men and women behind bars, Prison Fellowship® is a leading national voice shaping the public debate on justice. Our guiding principles are rooted in the biblical call to seek justice, love mercy, and restore hope. In the early period after prison, the risks of recidivism, suicide, drug relapse, homelessness, and unemployment for men and women are particularly high. To aid this transition period, this legislation provides individuals returning from incarceration with a six-month grace period during which they are not required to make payments on court-assessed fines and fees related to their criminal case. This bill does not reduce the amount an individual owes to the court. Virginia has made great strides in supporting successful reentry. We respectfully urge this committee to continue that progress by voting YES on House Bill 1142.