Subcommittee unanimously backs bills adding protections and clarity for corrections officers Two related bills (HB 295 and HB 294) clarifying and strengthening statutory recognition and penalties for attacks on corrections officers were reported unanimously out of subcommittee, 10–0.

Virginia's new bills aim to enhance protections for corrections officers, recognizing their vital role in public safety after recent incidents in local facilities.

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#VA #CivicAccountability #LegalReform #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #VirginiaCorrections

Subcommittee substitutes prison visitation bill for a study work group, advances measure unanimously Senate Bill 276, which initially sought to restore in‑person visitation standards in Department of Corrections facilities, was converted by substitute into a study bill to create a work group to examine improving visitation access and was unanimously recommended to the full committee.

Senate Bill 276 aims to revive in-person prison visits, which plummeted by over 90% post-COVID, but has now transformed into a study to explore better access for families.

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#VA #PrisonReform #CitizenPortal #VirginiaCorrections #VisitorAccess #PolicyImprovement

Virginia subcommittee advances package of bills to expand prison visitation and set statewide standards The House Public Safety Subcommittee heard a cluster of bills aimed at expanding and standardizing visitation in Virginia correctional facilities — covering minimum visit durations, dress-code protections, appeals for suspensions and pilot approaches tied to conduct. Lawmakers reported several bills with substitutes to the next stage after hours of testimony from families, advocates and corrections officials.

Virginia lawmakers are pushing for new bills to enhance prison visitation, aiming to reunite families and cut recidivism rates after hearing heartbreaking testimonies from those affected.

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#VA #VirginiaCorrections #CitizenPortal #FamilyReunification #PrisonVisitation