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VA SB634

VA SB634
Petition for modification of a sentence; eligibility, procedures, report.


summary

Introduced
01/14/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Petition for modification of a sentence; eligibility; procedures; report. Provides procedures for individuals serving a sentence for certain felony convictions or a combination of such convictions who remain incarcerated in a state or local correctional facility or secure facility and meet certain criteria to petition the circuit court that entered the original judgment or order to (i) suspend the unserved portion of such sentence or run the unserved portion of such sentence concurrently with another sentence, (ii) place such person on probation for such time as the court shall determine, or (iii) otherwise modify the sentence imposed. Depending on the type of conviction, the bill allows the court to grant a hearing on such petition after an individual has served at least 25 years for certain offenses, after 20 years for certain other offenses, and after 15 years for any other felony conviction not specified. The bill directs the Department of Corrections to convene a work group of relevant stakeholders to (a) consider and recommend best practices for implementation of the bill and (b) evaluate and recommend updates to victim notification systems. The work group shall complete its meetings by November 1, 2026, and report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly no later than December 1, 2026.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a process for individuals incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities to petition a circuit court for modification of their sentence, which could include suspending the unserved portion, running it concurrently with another sentence, placing them on probation, or otherwise altering the original sentence. Eligibility for such a petition depends on the type of felony conviction and the amount of time served, with specific waiting periods of 25 years for certain serious offenses, 20 years for others, and 15 years for any other felony not specifically listed. The bill also mandates the Department of Corrections to form a work group by November 1, 2026, comprising various stakeholders to recommend best practices for implementing these sentence modification procedures and to suggest updates to victim notification systems, with a report due to the General Assembly by December 1, 2026.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Stricken at request of Patron in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N) (on 02/04/2026)

bill text


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Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB634
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB634) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1103909.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB634/text/SB634
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