We support the bill HB 1556 on the proviso that it authorizes the AG to prosecute cases involving ACTUAL children. To date, LE and prosecutorial arms in VA and elsewhere are allowed to further prosecutions by setting up online sex stings in which police approach unsuspecting adults looking to adult companionship, pretend to be an adult subscriber to a cite in violation of federal and state law, then abruptly claim to be underage (though their picture looks older), before arresting their targets in proactive (non investigatory trolling) and claiming the adult target was the aggressor and grooming a (fake) child merely by talking to the persona. An arrest is made even if no sex talk is advanced, and the prosecution then proceeds as if a real child was endangered. This must NOT be allowed to continue.

HB 1553. We support the bill.

As a loved one of someone coming home after nearly 20 years of incarceration, I cannot stress enough how crucial HB1661 is for successful reentry. My loved one, who has worked tirelessly in prison, holding one of the most challenging jobs, running the commissary, has been paid a fraction of what he is truly worth. Despite his hard work, the court has denied his request to reduce the fines that are being held over his head. This bill would ensure that people returning to society aren’t trapped by insurmountable fines, but can instead pay at a reasonable, affordable rate. The $25 minimum payment acknowledges the financial realities many face after decades in prison and provides the opportunity for a fresh start. We cannot expect people to reintegrate successfully if we continue to punish them with excessive financial burdens. This bill is a commonsense step toward justice, fairness, and support for people returning to our communities.

Comments Document

Please see our attached letter explaining our support for HB1665.

HB1665 is an essential bill that will provide transparency and fairness for individuals navigating the complex and often opaque world of fines, restitution, and costs after incarceration. My loved one, who will be released at the end of this year after almost 20 years in prison, has struggled with vague and unclear statements of what he owes. This lack of transparency has made it even harder for him to plan for his future and begin rebuilding his life. This bill will give people the clarity they need to understand their obligations and avoid unnecessary burdens that could send them back to prison. It’s not just about having a statement; it’s about offering the kind of support that helps people reenter society successfully. By supporting this bill, you are investing in people’s ability to change, grow, and contribute positively to society. Transparency is the first step toward fairness.

My name is Kate Hanger, Executive Director of the Virginia Victim Assistance Network. We support this bill.