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I Shaliah Alston SUPPORT HB5148 and believe it should include EVERYONE THAT CURRENTLY EARNS GOOD TIME CREDITS! My husband who has been sentenced as a juvenile at the age of 15-16yrs old for a murder charge he did not do but was convicted he was a child and act and thought as a child. He is a 1st time offender and a last time offender My husband is now 28yrs of age he is a man and now think and acts as man. He served 13-14yrs already and has missed out on a lot of things in life. I’ve been helping him stay on the right track watching him earn certificates and enrolling in school, staying up studying with him making sure he stays focused. My husband is no longer the little kid that the state of Virginia has sentenced. I believe in my heart everyone deserves a second chance at life. Please reconsider this bill.

I support HB5148 and believe it should include all that currently EARN good time credits. Thank you. Sincerely, Rhonda Hilbert

Honorable Delegates, The AIM Initiative; All Inmates Matter! In this chaotic time when prison reform is being considered, I feel it is imperative to include all returning citizens with the chance to earn the sentence credits offered in HB5148. To exclude a returning citizen because they made an error in judgment that resulted in a violent crime as opposed to a nonviolent crime undermines the very laws you are to uphold. These laws say that we are all to be treated as equals not divided and sorted into subcategories, where some earn 7 times more good time than others as we all eat, sleep, work, and live with each other and are expected to uphold the same levels of sustainable employment, good behavior and rehabilitation programs. Many nonviolent returning citizens have a very high risk for recidivism and have been incarcerated multiple times for drug use and drug dealing. On the other hand, most first time violent returning citizens have a seriously low chance to ever offend again, as seen in their Va DOC CORIS files, because most violent offenders acted in the heat of passion, an isolated incident, which was in direct contrast to their normally productive and successful lives, that included families, friends, along with steady employment. All returning citizens have the ability to turn their lives around and make their way from the maximum security prisons to the lower medium security prisons after years of good behavior, sustained employment, and regular programs as they prepare for their reentry to society. I ask that you treat all returning citizens as equal people striving to reform themselves, under the same protections and equal justice we all share in this Commonwealth. Now is the time to stand for equality for all returning citizens, and create a new, all inclusive earned sentence program that allows our great Commonwealth to maintain its wonderful legacy as a leader in successful prison reform and social justice for all of its returning citizens. Regards Michelle Ingram

The Activated People and the Virginia Coalition for Transforming Police urges the House Appropriations Committee to vote in favor of HB 5043. Police are ill-equipped to handle people who are experiencing mental health trauma and this bill will begin to implement a more effective model that will keep people experiencing such episodes from going to jail, and even save lives. Many of the costs identified in the impact statements are not directly related to implementing this law.

I write today in full support of Expanding Earned Sentence Credit for Everyone that it already currently receives it. This bill as it currently written leaves out so many deserving people and will further divide those that are incarcerated. Please vote yes for increasing earned sentence credits but only if it’s for Everyone! Thank you!

It is best if all inmates are incentivized to improve their lives. The concern about leaving out sex offenders ignores the fact that they will still be subject to the restrictions and control of the sex registry. I put the Dept.of Planning and Budget 2020 Fiscal Impact Statement for HB1532 into a spreadsheet. For 6972 eligible the state overall cost at $34.07 per day is $86,780,038.61. The cost to implement, including first year cost, is $41,146,142.00. The overall saving is $45,613,896.61. This is based on their numbers alone The monetary savings are significant, not to mention the social benefit of emphasizing correction vs punishment. It does not include the additional income that they would generate as taxpayers, (sales and income), on their release. It does not include the savings on health and burial expense due to COVID-19..(As of 9//2020 :total positive: 2712 total deaths: 14) I hope this will assist you in this effort.

Good afternoon members of the committee and chair of the committee, I’m Luis Angel Aguilar, CASA’s Virginia Director and today I speak on behalf of our 10,000 members. We are a community-based organization fighting for justice & equity. I want to acknowledge that the Black Lives Matter movement has brought the momentum to have real positive change happen in our communities as well as Marcus’s family. We strongly urge you to consider this legislation because in 2017 our community in Prince William County suffered the loss of Ruben Urbina, a 15 year old, to 2 gunshots by a police officer. Ruben had shown signs of distress the day before and the fact that his life was taken away by two bullets to the chest by a police officer is a sign that the system is not working. We met with the Chief of Police back then, now retired Chief Barry Barnard and he mentioned how the training of the police automatically trains police officers to shoot if they feel the need based on a threat, they will use this type of force. The Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney, Paul Ebert closed the case not more than two days later, as you can imagine, this is completely unacceptable. We ask Virginia to do better, we ask the committee to consider this story and to change how we police our communities, especially black and brown communities. We, as CASA, ask you to support HB5043 by Delegate Bourne, especially given the rise of mental health challenges that people are experiencing during COVID19. Mobile response teams similar to the CAHOOTS program from Eugene, Oregon can save lives by focusing on mental health and homelessness rather than criminalizing community members. We ask you to bring justice to families across the Commonwealth, we ask you to bring justice for Ruben. Thank you,

Please pass HB 5148 to expand earned sentence credits for ALL behind bars during the upcoming special session as it was originally submitted by Delegate Scott during the 2020 legislative session. Distinguishing between different classes of crime within legislation that is set to encourage rehabilitation and incentivize better behavior is unjust, unnecessary, and counter productive. Sentence length already reflects initial crime so POTENTIAL time earned off of sentences will reflect that as well. In addition, it is those who have done the most wrong who we should most give incentive to be better people. Our son, Estifanos Mesghinna #1189915, was falsely accused of a violent crime, but has worked hard to prove his innocence and be a good person behind bars. He deserves a chance to come home to us, as do all. We am scared for him during this pandemic since he already tested positive for Covid-19 in June 2020. Social distancing is impossible behind bars currently and the conditions in our prisons right now are scary. Expanding earned sentence credits for all would help alleviate some of these problems for our prison systems while allowing our son to come home where he can help us during this crazy time. Please consider the well-being of all Virginia’s citizens as pass this legislation as it was originally submitted by Delegate Scott during the regular 2020 legislative session. Thank you. Meraf Ghebretatios (Mother) 3403 Spring Lane #201 Falls Church, Virginia 22041 Haile Mesghinna (Father) alehelmarhan@gmail.com Arlington, Virginia

Please pass HB 5148 to expand earned sentence credits for ALL behind bars during the upcoming special session as it was originally submitted by Delegate Scott during the 2020 legislative session. Distinguishing between different classes of crime within legislation that is set to encourage rehabilitation and incentivize better behavior is unjust, unnecessary, and counter productive. Sentence length already reflects initial crime so POTENTIAL time earned off of sentences will reflect that as well. In addition, it is those who have done the most wrong who we should most give incentive to be better people. Our son, Estifanos Mesghinna #1189915, was falsely accused of a violent crime, but has worked hard to prove his innocence and be a good person behind bars. He deserves a chance to come home to us, as do all. We am scared for him during this pandemic since he already tested positive for Covid-19 in June 2020. Social distancing is impossible behind bars currently and the conditions in our prisons right now are scary. Expanding earned sentence credits for all would help alleviate some of these problems for our prison systems while allowing our son to come home where he can help us during this crazy time. Please consider the well-being of all Virginia’s citizens as pass this legislation as it was originally submitted by Delegate Scott during the regular 2020 legislative session. Thank you. Meraf Ghebretatios (Mother) 3403 Spring Lane #201 Falls Church, Virginia 22041 Haile Mesghinna (Father) alehelmarhan@gmail.com Arlington, Virginia

I am the husband of an inmate at the FCCW, Troy, VA. I hope that the improvement and the system of the laws comes for all inmates and that all inmates can have a good time

I support Earn Sentence Credit For ALL. I urge you all to give not some a chance but all . They all have done things they are not proud of and Most want to make up for it give them a change we need to stop picking and choosing who we want to help . HELP them ALL. Thank you for your time Sherry Carter-Hale

I believe everyone no matter the crime deserves second chances.

We believe everyone no matter the crime deserves second chances.

My name is Eboney, and I would like to comment that I support the Earned Sentence Credits Bill 100% for ALL. I think the fact that this bill is being perceived as something given rather than something EARNED, is a terrible misconception. If the committee would consider just how hard it is to remain charge free with the obstacles that those on the inside face daily, it would be understood that Earned Sentence Credits is NOT a handout, but rather an incentive for those who are managing to stay out of trouble while enduring the gravitational pull of prison life. For so long we have not stressed the importance of rehabilitating those incarcerated as equally as retribution has been emphasized. It is time to allow prison to also be a place of redemption as well. One cannot expect a person to change for the better if you never create the opportunity for the change. This bill would allow those who have genuinely sought change; that very opportunity. Last but not least, making this bill available to ALL does not mean ALL will benefit, but rather ALL who have EARNED it. It is time to stop using fear tactics as a means for not allowing change. Again, I urge you, vote to expand Earned Sentence Credits for ALL behind bars and allow those who have EARNED these credits a chance to return home. Allow Change and Restore Hope. Thank you for your time, E. C. Baker

I would just like to say that I am in support of this new legislation HB5148 for all inmates currently earning good time. The main purpose of this bill is to assist with the current epidemic and mass spread of Covid 19 throughout our prison system. An emergency meeting should yield immediate results. This legislation should not wait to pass under normal circumstances postponing releases that could result in ultimate demise. These inmates are already earning good time credit and in most cases have long ago served adequate time for their crimes. One of my loved ones in particular has been locked away for 10 years after a fight. He has been diagnosed with Covid 19 and still has effects almost 2 months after diagnosis. He has 2 years left on his sentence and deserves a chance to fight for his health in the safety of his home.

I would like to share, briefly, about how this bill would positively impact our family. My husband was sentenced to 31 years in prison for basically stealing a cellphone when he was 19 years old back in 2004. "Statutorily" speaking, he was charged with armed robbery because he admitted to having a weapon that was never used in the commission of the offense. However, judge Alpir from Arlington co, didn't follow recommended guidelines and over sentenced him. He has served as a level 1 prisoner for 16 years, completed all types of classes and for what? There has been little incentive for his time. This bill would not only allow for his release, but give us the opportunity to be a family again. His daughter was 1 years old when he went in, she just turned 18. He didn't even get to see her graduate. We NEED this bill to pass. We also filed for clemency awhile ago. It seems that was a waste of time; it takes YEARS for that to be reviewed. Meanwhile, his family is falling ill on the outside and years are going by without him. He was 19 years old and is now 38. Think about how that's affected his whole life, behind a CELLPHONE. We are begging the delegates to please give us justice! Please let him return home. He is not a threat to anyone! He didn't hurt anybody. He's not violent and has been a model inmate for years! I thank you for the time you have invested in helping this fight for justice. Respectfully submitted, Jacquee Oakes

Hello, I have spent my free time spreading the word and educating myself on this bill however just this past weekend I had a friend who encountered a mental health crisis and aided by a stranger at a store who was familiar with the behaviors. I believe this person did this because they are familiar with what happened to Mr. Peters and now learning of an incident in March where another black was killed by the help of police in the time of aid. If law enforcement is not equipped to handle these situations and they are the only resource what are we left to do, leave them in the hands of destruction for it to only get worse? Police officers don't need degrees or understand the science of most disorder so why not actually put forth a community efforts for civilians of all kinds.

I support hb5148. Its time for a change. NOW IS THE TIME

Support HB 5148 for ALL men and women who are currently receiving earned sentence credit! “good time” Vote YES for ALL!

I fully support this bill for All, Violent offenders. EXCEPT sex crimes and crimes against children. Being a Black single mom, with a fiancé who’s incarcerated. I not only understand both sides but completely hear both sides. I was attacked a few months back and raped. It was by far the worst thing in my life. Do I believe everyone deserves a second chance yes. I also believe anyone who can commit sex crimes against children or rape a woman doesn’t have it in them to change & doesn’t deserve that right. Being a mom to a 3 year old girl I fear for her everyday. On the other side of things, there’s a man who I love who is labeled as many things, a common street black thug, a violent offender, an inmate but to me my family and his family he’s just Denke Gaither. He’s more then the label’s society put on him. At the age of 18 Denke was working two jobs at ihop and shake shack making a honest living to be more then just another statistic. He moved out his mothers house and bought his own house LEGALLY at 18, bought his first car at 18, may have failed the driving test a couple times but nonetheless he did it. His house was robbed three times within three months of him living there. The first time he called the cops made a statement and was told its a bad neighborhood but that they’ll try their best. The second time he called the cops was told the same thing and was told maybe he should instal cameras and motion lights, put up no trespassing signs. So he did just that. Bought a camera system, put up signs. On the third time while he was in his own house with his brothers upstairs he saw on the cameras two men. One in the car one making his way into his home. And he made the decision to protect himself, his house and his little brothers. Did he mean to shoot the guy no. He thought he was letting of a warning shot and never knew he hit anyone until the next day cops show up saying one man died. He then turned himself in and was charged and arrested. He hired a lawyer who told him “You’re better off taking the plea because you have no chance as a young black male in front of an all white jury.” With the fear of spending decades in jail he did just that. Never went to trial out of fear of being labeled as a common street black thug. He’s more than these labels, He’s a child of god, a sweet smart ambitious HONEST caring man who was protecting those he loved. But due to the age we live in he knew none of that would matter, the prosecution took one look at him and wanted to throw 20+ years to him. He’s charged with second degree murder and his labeled as a violent offender. But that violent offender DESERVES a second chance to come home, he EARNS it. Prison changed him. Even though he doesn’t like it or agree he owns up to it and is taking steps to change. That same “violent offender” stepped up to the plate and took on the role of raising my daughter like his own. He’s the only daddy she knows. He’s her “bestest friend” That violent offender was the one calling me non stop on December 21st 2019, while I was in the hospital, and he’s the same violent offender who constantly worries about seeing his mom who fought through breast cancer while he’s behind bars. Now let me ask you, if your son or grandson did the same thing as Denke, would he have to fear to stand in front of a white jury, would he fear of never seeing his family again, would he be classified as a violent offender, would he be able to get a second chance? Please pass this bill for ALL!

My name is Theresa Drakeford I am from Halifax, I am writing to ask that you pass legislation to expand the Earned Sentence Credit Bill, for ALL people behind bars. Leaving out certain people from benefiting from the bill is wrong for many reasons. Not only would it leave out well over half of the people behind bars in Virginia it would perpetuate the racial inequity that exist in the system. I urge you to please vote to expand the earned sentence credit bill to give Hope and a Second chance to All behind bars. Best Regards, Theresa Drakeford

Please bring back parole for youth offenders. They were sentenced under the age of 21. The brain is not even fully developed yet. Give the ones that are ticket free and over 20 years down have parole

My name is Theresa Drakeford I am from Halifax, I am writing to ask that you pass legislation to expand the Earned Sentence Credit Bill, for ALL people behind bars. Leaving out certain people from benefiting from the bill is wrong for many reasons. Not only would it leave out well over half of the people behind bars in Virginia it would perpetuate the racial inequity that exist in the system. I urge you to please vote to expand the earned sentence credit bill to give Hope and a Second chance to All behind bars. Best Regards, Theresa Drakeford

I support the good time earnings credit bill for all offenders except sex crimes and Crimes against children

I fully support HB 5148. I believe that Earned Sentence Credit should be able to be earned by every inmate. By allowing everyone this opportunity it would create a safer environment not only for the inmates but for the staff as well. Inmates would have an incentive to excel and motivation to demonstrate good behavior. My son is an inmate currently and fears for his life daily. I believe that by making this opportunity available to everyone it will create a less violent environment. Although this may seem selfish on my part, there is not a day that goes by that I do not worry and pray to God to keep my son safe. No mother should have to feel like this. We have to provide some type of hope for these inmates. Without hope, mankind will not improve itself. I believe that the inmates would also benefit from this by knowing that they are not thought about only as discarded waste. They are humans with families and loved ones that also feel the torment of their punishment. My grandchildren haven’t seen their father for over 6 years. How do we expect our youth to grow up and be productive members of society while such a great percentage of their parents are incarcerated. Please include EVERYONE as eligible for the Earned Sentence Credit. It’s the right thing to do! Thank you for taking the time to see all inmates as people and understanding that by including EVERYONE as eligible, this is a significant step in ensuring positive change in not only the prison system but also in the hearts of our families, children and ultimately the future of not only our state but the country as well. Thank you for the opportunity to offer my thoughts and thank you for your support.

I am in support of the good time credit bill. I think this is a good thing because it give them something to look for award too and a reason to behave which will eliminate a lot of the your violence in your prisons expecially during this time of Covid. A lot of people were sentenced harshly. My husband got twice the sentence. Please vote in favor of this bill.

I SUPPORT HB5148 and believe it should include EVERYONE THAT CURRENTLY EARNS GOOD TIME CREDITS!

I feel that this bill should support violent and non violent offenders. These men and women have earned their good time by doing the right thing while serving the time for their crimes. Everyone has done something in their lives that was not right because we all make mistakes. Just like we have been forgiven for whatever we have done, I feel that they should also be forgiven. This good time is earned not given to them. These men and women have proven that they can do the right thing and return to society and their families. Please vote in favor of the earned good time bill for all. Thank you

I, Renesia support the bill for good earned credits. I think this is a good way to get all good inmates that received good credits home to their love ones. We all make mistakes and every one learns from their mistakes. Inmates that have good earned credits dont deserve to stay behind bars because some of them have families that love them and want to see them prosper. I too second that notion.

Hello Everyone I am Akira Jones I support HB5148 and believe it it should include everyone that currently earned good time credit I also support all the people on both side of the prison walls.

Make earned credits for ALL prisoners.

Hello my name is Aretha Pegram And I am writting because I SUPPORT HB5148 and believe it should include EVERYONE THAT CURRENTLY EARNS GOOD TIME CREDITS AND SECOND CHANCES!! I support ALL PEOPLE ON BOTH SIDES OF OUR PRISON WALLS!!!

I support HB5148. It will be a much needed step for our state.

I support earned sentence credits for all except pedophiles.

I support good time credit. Mass incarceration needs to stop!

Please support this bill as I feel that everyone should have an opportunity to earn sentence credits as an incentive to improve and earn an earlier release. Thank you. Compassion, please.

Hello Delegates. I am writing to inform you of my full support of HB 5148. I believe it should include EVERYONE THAT CURRENTLY EARNS GOOD TIME CREDITS! The emphasis on this being EARNED has been minimized and quite frankly overlooked. And let's not forget that majority of the individuals behind those prison walls are citizens of this very Commonwealth and will one day return to society. There are countless other states that have similar systems already in place. Yet, Virginia continues to be a source of inequality and injustice for many of those incarcerated. So why not take this step and support offender rehabilitation now and allow for their behaviors to be acknowledged with a clear incentive? Thank you, and I hope that you consider this as an action that will lead to the reform of our criminal justice system.

Hello, Please support the Earned Sentence Credits Bill for all! As an aunt with a loved one serving his sentence in Lunenburg with exemplary behavior, this is such an important Bill! Thank you for your consideration and your support of HB5148! Vickie Estep 6161 Newton Lane Bealeton, Va. 22712

I support the HB5148 bill and it should be for everyone that earns credit

I believe everyone should be included in HB5148. and have the opportunity to earn good time.

I support HB5148, and I believe it should include everyone that currently earn good time credits.

Please pass the good time earned credits bill. This is an opportunity to show we are ready for changes. Our love ones deserve a second chance and reducing the time with EARNED credits is a win win for justice and our love ones

I wholeheartedly support HB5148. It should be for ALL not just some. People deserve second chances especially if they are working really hard, following the rules and completing programs. Virginia is much too harsh compared to other states.

I support HB5148 and believe it should include EVERYONE THAT CURRENTLY EARNS GOOD TIME CREDITS. My fiancé needs to be home with his family his son is growing up with out a father we need help! He has been rehabilitated, he’s had COVID-19 and has severe asthma attacks everyday! Please give him the 2nd chance he deserves at life!

I support HB 5148 Increased Earned Sentence Credits for EVERYONE ! The Crime Commission recommended HB 5148 to include ALL offenders earning good time credits! An amendment was made to HB 5148 in the Courts of Justice to exclude certain offenders from earning the increased sentence credits, specifically in part " (i) a Class 1 felony; (ii) an act of violence as defined in § 19.2-297.1 involving a minor victim unless such person is ineligible for earned sentence credits pursuant to subsection C of § 19.2- 297.1;". This amendment equates those convicted of a sex offense against a minor with those convicted of a Class 1 felony (murder). These sessions are run at break-neck speed, and amendments are added and substitutions offered without full aforethought to the consequences. The amendment to HB 5148 does not take into consideration those convicted of a sex offense against a minor that were falsely accused and convicted with no physical, forensic or DNA evidence simply because the alleged victim pointed a finger or lied about their age. It is my firm belief and opinion that this amendment applies earned sentence credits in an inequitable fashion, based on Stigmas of certain offenses and without taking into consideration the offender's behavior while incarcerated, completing programs, holding jobs and staying infraction free. Our prisons do have rehabilitation programs. If offenders have completed the rehabilitation programs, they should be allowed to re-enter society with a chance to prove themselves, in a reasonable amount of time. This includes those charged with a sex offense, because many have been falsely accused, will hold the stigma of their charge the rest of their lives, and will have to register the rest of their lives. Many are there because someone lied about their age, or simply pointed their finger with no evidence other than their statement. There is a specific treatment program in place, SORT, that those charged with a sex offense have to complete before being released. I support increasing the amount of good time credits that ALL residents in the VADOC can EARN , regardless of their charge. Residents have to earn this time off their sentence; it will not be given to them. This will in turn create safer prisons, a safer work environment for the correctional officers and other workers, and it will undoubtedly restore HOPE for residents and their families. Please re-consider the amendment to HB5148, to make it fair and equitable for all inmates participating in the Earned Credit Sentence program.

I am fully in support of the passing of good time earning credit bill from Delegate Scott (formerly HB1532) for ALL offenders. I truly feel that individuals who are behind the walls as a first-time offender and classified as a violent offender only because of the crime that was committed should be able to earn the same amount of good time earning credit as non-violent offenders. This bill helps individuals to be model individuals and rewarded for doing all the right things such as getting certifications, degrees, or other rehabilitation methods. To exclude individuals would only cause problems and division amongst individuals behind the walls. This creates yet another subculture akin to the one created in prison when parole was abolished in 1995 and Good Time was decreased for "all" offenders. You don't want to create an "I don't give damn attitude!" An exclusion will also make it difficult to get individuals to comply with treatment as a part of corrections when you have, as an example, two men who are cellmates in re-entry and one of them receives 30 days for every 30 days served and the other only receives 4.5 for every 30 days served. Both of them have been charge free for five years yet because of their offenses their efforts to rehabilitate themselves is rewarded differently. This creates another class and subculture within prison and does not further the community vibe that is sought by the VADOC in its mission to create a pro-social and healing environment. By systematically passing a bill that would give incentive to all individuals behind the wall you create true criminal justice reform and lay the foundation for other states to follow. Please support the Good Time Earning Credit bill for all.

I support HB5148 to allow good time credits. This will allow our loved ones to earn time off their sentences. It will encourage good behavior. So many incarcerated have extremely long sentences for non violent crimes. My son 20 years from a jury whose sentencing guidelines were so profoundly many more years than if a judge had sentenced him. He has done 2 years and has stayed out of trouble, completed drug classes and has attended church services. He like many many others would benefit from HB5148. Please support this bill.

I support HB5148 and believe it should include everyone that currently earns good time credits. During the 10 years my loved one has been incarcerated for robbery he has not only grown in mind, body and spirit but also has a true understanding of right from wrong. This bill passing is the difference between him being home for our sons high school graduation or him coming home the year after our son graduates. Everyone makes mistakes and deserve a second chance.

The current system of earned sentence credits used by the DOC applies to everyone and its assessment model is the same as that proposed by Del Scott's HB5148. Though both models are the same, the proposed bill gives them greater incentive to earn more credits and so improve themselves to earn an earlier release. They earn the credits through their improved actions and interactions and through academic and vocational advancement. The Current Earned Sentence Credits system applies to everyone, but lacks incentive. Please vote YES for Delegate Scott's Earned Sentence Credits Bill and give EVERYONE the same higher incentive to EARN earlier release. Expanded Earned Sentence Credits would provide hope, improve their futures, and reunite families.

I am writing to support HB5148 and support the inclusion of ALL prisoners within the DOC to be eligible. As stated by so many before me, the tiered based system rewards those inmates that are doing what they are supposed to be doing, not catching additional charges and showing that they are capable of rehabilitation. As the sentence credit is lessened with the higher levels, it provides incentive for inmates to work hard to earn the lower good time earning levels to receive the higher credit. Taking away the incentive for people who have charges for specific crimes takes away their incentive to work hard to lower their level.

I support HB5148 and believe it should be for ALL inmates who earn good time. Please consider giving our loved ones a second chance to prove themselves. Thank you.

The Arc of Virginia supports a system that protects people with developmental disabilities (DD), mental illness or substance use problems by intervening in crisis situations with help from the community, instead of police authority only. People with DD experience the criminal justice system at higher rates than people without disabilities. Just as people of color experience policing at a higher rate, and there have been multiple examples of black people with DD (particularly autism) who have gotten caught in the criminal justice system unfairly. Often people with DD, may have their actions misinterpreted as hostile or non-compliant, when instead their actions are a direct result manifesting from their disability. This can be true for someone who does not have full control of their body or who might not communicate with words. When actions or behaviors are misinterpreted the results can be devastating and even deadly. HB5043 as written appears to include people with DD, but the emphasis is on mental health, we would welcome an opportunity to provide language to more consistently include DD throughout the bill with mental health and substance use, both of which are notated throughout the Bill. Thank you Tonya Milling tmilling@thearcofva.org 804-649-8481 Ext 101

I support HB5148 and believe it should include all that currently EARN good time credits ! Thank you

I support Hb5148 and feel like it should include everyone who currently earns Good Time Credits. Sincerely Tanya Lawrence

I feel everybody should get a second chance. Especially if you are following all programs that you are requested to do. And no fractions since your time started.

I support HB5148 for anyone earning good time. This is earned!

I support HB 5148 I believe it should include everyone that currently earns good time credits

I support HP 5148 I believe it should include everyone that currently earns good time credits

I support earned sentence credits and ask you to do the same! I also believe this should be for everyone behind those walls! Cutting out certain people based off their offense is creating an even darker cloud over their head. They made the mistake and they are trying to redeem themselves. They were punished according to their crime and are serving their time. Why should they still be punished because of the crime they committed and not rewarded for the positive changes they have made sense being incarcerated? Please support enhanced earned sentence credits for ALL!

I support House Bill 5148 and believe it should include EVERYONE who is eligible to earn sentence credits! Those who do the work, show their improvements and abide by all laws, rules, and programs in VADOC deserve this!!!

I support the earned credit bill for EVERYONE! Everyone deserves a chance to prove them self it’s earned not given..

I Strongly Support The Good Time Bill For All I have to people in my life that I love dearly My husband who is incarcerated at Marion Correctional Center and My son who is incarcerated at Halifax Correctional Center. My husband was sentenced to eight years and my son six for drug and gun charges. We have two children at home and a granddaughter which is my Son’s daughter. It’s almost three years they have been gone and this whole thing has ripped our family apart but through all of this I have seen so much growth in the both of them. This good time bill will give them a chance to come home to a family that loves and care for them very much please consider these bills. Not just for my family but other’s as well. I pray everyday since this happened that change will happen and it needs to happen the time is now. My two family members made a mistake and they are changing before my eyes so if I can see I pray that you can to please consider these bills brought before. I love my family and will fight and stand by them until they are home. Thank you for time Tiffany Mcdowney

I FULLY SUPPORT HB5148 and believe it should include EVERYONE THAT CURRENTLY EARNS GOOD TIME CREDITS!

I FULLY SUPPORT HB5148 and believe it should include EVERYONE THAT CURRENTLY EARNS GOOD TIME CREDITS!

The Marcus Alert System is of key importance. People with mental illness deserve care, not a death sentence. Actual mental health professionals will have the tools needed to aid a person in crisis and be able to evaluate if a person is a danger to others or just themselves. Far more often than not, people with mental illness do not pose a risk to others. Despite media portrayals, people with mental illness are more likely to harmed by someone else than be dangerous to others. This is something that mental health professionals are taught, but something that people outside of that field generally aren't familiar with (including police officers). In addition, when a person of color is in crisis they are even more likely to be perceived as threat when they are not. The combination of racism and mental illness stigma can be deadly. Marcus David Peters should not have died that day. If he had been met with empathy and adequate care he would not have died. We need a Marcus David Alert System. We cannot allow people to die because we lack a proper system to help people who are in crisis. This system needs to be fully funded and mandatory. Pull funding from other places in the budget, preferably the police dept. budget. Instead of investing in military gear for the police, invest in our communities' lives.

Thank you for considering the Marcus Alert. I am a strong supporter of this legislation becoming law and hope you vote to make it happen. In June 2019 I underwent a mental health crisis where the police were called to the scene. The officers who responded were untrained in deescalation and created a dangerous situation for myself and my friends who were present. One officer tried showing me cat photos, another officer was in tears, and other officers made comments about waiting for me to hit someone so they could “take me down.” I am lucky that one of my friends, a social worker, put herself between me and the police as tensions escalated and kept herself between us as I walked away from the situation unharmed. I am also lucky to be a white woman that police officers didn’t perceive as a threat despite my irrational actions to where I was able to walk away unharmed and alive unlike Marcus-David Peters. We need trained social workers responding to mental health crises, not police officers with guns.

Good Morning Great House Appropriations Committee, I would like to take the time to thank you for this opportunity for reading my comment on House Bill 5148, which I am in Support of FOR ALL OFFENDERS. As an African American woman and single parent, I feel that a lot of this disparities upon African American male that start as adolescent. I think that a few people who do not try to change the narrative about the disparities in the African American community are practicing unconscious racism. GEO Have a vested interest in the expansion of the incarcerated population the group approaches to maintaining financial prosperity has been to lobby Congress to sponsor get tough on crime legislation they write laws that are designed to create more prisoners through criminalizing more behavior and increasing corresponding sentencing such legislation has managed to put more people behind bars for longer periods of time than at any point in US history that is part of the prison industrial complex. My loved one has been incarcerated since the age of 14 he has two serve 20 plus years for a heinous act he committed as an adolescent. He is very remorseful and deserves a second chance at life. My son also 14 what is he doing? in his room playing the PlayStation, eating all the food in the house, playing with Bentley his new Pug puppy in our big backyard and learning how to drive by next year. My love one make sure he stays in the books and cuts the grass every Saturday and takes out the trash to become a responsible citizen in the state of Virginia and to not make the same mistakes that he did if my loved 1 does not come home where would my 14 year old be in the next few years? Thank You Ms. Nelson