Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has signed legislation that will expand parole opportunities for inmates who were imprisoned as juveniles.
“Criminal justice reform includes reforming parole,” Northam said in a news release. “This is about simple justice and fairness.”
Under House Bill 35, which was sponsored by Del. Joseph Lindsey, D-Norfolk, a person will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years of a sentence for a felony offense or multiple sentences if that person’s crimes were committed as a juvenile. This also applies to a person serving a life sentence.
“House Bill 35 is a landmark piece of legislation that gives an opportunity for youths who have committed serious crimes and repented a future opportunity for social redemption,” Lindsey said in a statement.
Northam signed the bill into law Monday. It passed the House, 56-44, in January and the Senate, 28-11, on Feb. 17. The legislation had opposition from some Republicans.
“Democrats have said over and over again that they want to keep Virginians safe, but they continue to cast votes that will give dangerous criminals the opportunity to get out of jail early, such as Lee Boyd Malvo, who pulled the trigger to kill at least 10 people,” House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, told The Center Square via email. “To call the governor’s action of signing this legislation disappointing is an understatement.”
The legislation will go into effect July 1, 2020.
