Bill > HB1246

This bill establishes a Visitation Enhancement Program for all state correctional facilities, aiming to increase and improve visitation privileges for inmates. The program categorizes inmates into three phases based on their "good time" earnings, which refers to credits earned for good behavior and sentence reduction, such as good conduct time, good conduct allowances, or earned sentence credits. Phase I inmates, who earn good time at higher levels (II, III, or IV), are entitled to at least one visitation period per week lasting two to four hours. Phase II inmates, who earn good time at Level I for up to a year, receive at least three visitation periods per week, including one on a weekday, also lasting two to four hours. Phase III inmates, who maintain Level I good time for a year or more, get at least four visitation periods per week, including a weekday visit, and are also eligible for holiday family meals and, if possible, outdoor visitation. The bill also defines "enhanced appropriate physical affection" to include actions like embracing, kissing, and holding hands during visits, provided they are not disruptive or a security risk, while prohibiting more intimate or inappropriate conduct. Furthermore, it mandates that visits last at least two hours before being cut short due to capacity issues, and if the visitation area is full, staff will first ask visitors to voluntarily end their visits before terminating them based on arrival order if necessary.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1246