Parole; exception to limitation on the application of parole statutes. (HB1689)

Introduced By

Del. Joe Lindsey (D-Norfolk) with support from co-patron Sen. Lamont Bagby (D-Richmond)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Parole; exception to limitation on the application of parole statutes. Provides that a person is entitled to parole if (i) such person was sentenced by a jury prior to the date of the Supreme Court of Virginia decision in Fishback v. Commonwealth, 260 Va. 104 (June 9, 2000), in which the Court held that a jury should be instructed on the fact that parole has been abolished, for a noncapital felony committed on or after the abolition of parole going into effect (on January 1, 1995) and (ii) the jury was not instructed on the abolition of parole. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
12/07/2018Committee
12/07/2018Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/09/19 19101978D
12/07/2018Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
01/15/2019Impact statement from DPB (HB1689)
01/18/2019Assigned Courts sub: Subcommittee #1
01/21/2019Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (6-Y 2-N)
02/05/2019Left in Courts of Justice

Comments

Margaret Breslau writes:

It's been too long for Fishback prisoners to get a fair sentencing. Last year, this bill went down by just one vote. We can, and should, do better. Let's pass this long overdue legislation.

Leticia Spain writes:

This Fishback legislation is long overdue. It is a shame and a disgrace that someone should have to serve their entire life behind bars with no hope of rehabilitation or redemption. This is America and we are a nation of second (and many times 3rd) chances.We are a nation of religion and forgiving hearts...as imperfect people, none of us has the right to judge..unless we are God.with this said, these are human beings that are being warehoused without being given a chance at rehabilitation to show society their true potential. If we are the nation of 2nd chances and helping people to be upstanding pillars of society, then I graciously ask that Fishback legislation be passed!