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Bill > HB739


VA HB739

VA HB739
Virginia Parole Board; increases membership, appointment of members, powers and duties.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Virginia Parole Board; membership; appointment of members; powers and duties. Increases the membership of the Parole Board from up to five members to 10 members, five of whom are to be appointed by the Governor, three of whom are to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, and two of whom are to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. The bill requires that four of the five Parole Board members appointed by the Governor have specific background and experience as enumerated in the bill. The bill also provides that when the Parole Board votes to deny an inmate's parole and issues the basis for such denial in writing as required by current law, the Parole Board shall also include in such writing specific steps that the inmate may take to demonstrate commitment to rehabilitation and notice that the Parole Board shall, at such inmate's next parole hearing, consider whether the inmate has taken such steps. Finally, the bill requires the Parole Board, at least 30 days prior to its final deliberation and vote regarding whether to grant parole to an inmate, to provide a true copy of all information collected throughout the investigation to such inmate, his attorney, or another person that the inmate has designated to receive such information either electronically or in paper form.

AI Summary

This bill significantly expands the Virginia Parole Board, increasing its membership from a maximum of five to at least ten individuals, with appointments distributed among the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Delegates, and the Senate Committee on Rules, and requiring specific professional backgrounds for most members, including attorneys experienced in prosecution and defense, mental health professionals, and victim advocates. Furthermore, when the Parole Board denies parole, it must now provide the inmate with specific, actionable steps they can take to demonstrate rehabilitation and will consider these steps at the inmate's next hearing. The bill also mandates that at least 30 days before a final decision on parole, the Parole Board must provide the inmate, their attorney, or a designated representative with all investigation information, either electronically or in paper form, ensuring greater transparency in the parole process.

Committee Categories

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Left in Committee Public Safety (on 02/18/2026)

bill text


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