SB 60

Abstract

Virginia Parole Board; powers and duties; juvenile offenders; parole procedures and considerations. Requires that, whenever possible, members of the Virginia Parole Board and any support staff of the Board possess relevant background in adolescent development and the psychology of decision-making with a greater emphasis on those persons with a background in social work or social services. The bill also requires the Board to provide a meaningful opportunity for release to certain juvenile offenders eligible for parole and specifies various factors the Board shall consider when making a determination on whether to grant parole to such juvenile offender. The bill allows a juvenile offender to request for reconsideration or appeal of a decision by the Board not to grant parole based on (i) the Board's failure to consider such juvenile offender's age and its related mitigating circumstances as required by the bill or (ii) the Board's consideration of the circumstances of the offense outweighing evidence of rehabilitation and a lack of present danger to public safety. The bill requires the Board to provide individualized reasons for the grant or denial of parole upon reconsideration or appeal. The bill also requires that if parole is denied for any such juvenile offender, each Board member shall identify his reasoning for such decision at the time such member's vote is cast, including any youth-related factor and evidence of maturity and rehabilitation that was considered. The bill requires that the Board provide to such inmate steps the inmate may take to demonstrate commitment to rehabilitation and requires the Board to consider whether the inmate has taken such steps at the next hearing. Lastly, the bill requires the Board to annually review the cases of such juvenile offenders eligible for parole.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 53.1-134, 53.1-136, 53.1-154, and 53.1-165.1 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 53.1-154.2, relating to Virginia Parole Board; powers and duties; juvenile offenders; parole procedures and considerations.