Virginia lawmakers have approved a bill to provide relief for people convicted of past cannabis crimes, mandating that individuals with certain offenses automatically receive resentencing hearings and have their punishments adjusted.
The legislation is similar to proposals passed by lawmakers in recent sessions that were vetoed by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R).
The current proposal, sponsored by Del. Rozia Henson, Jr. (D), would create a process by which people who are incarcerated or on community supervision for certain felony offenses involving the possession, manufacture, selling or distribution of marijuana could receive an automatic hearing to consider modification of their sentences.
HB26 was approved by the House Courts of Justice Committee on Wednesday, and it next heads to the House Appropriations Committee before potentially reaching the floor.
The legislation “creates a process for automatic hearing to consider modifying sentences of persons convicted of certain felony offenses committed prior to July 1, 2021 that involved possession, manufacture, selling, giving, distribution, transportation or delivery of marijuana, if the person is still incarcerated or on community supervision on by July 1, 2026, ” House Courts of Justice Criminal Subcommittee Chair Vivian Watts (D) said prior to the full committee action.
Senate President Pro Tem Louise Lucas
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