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VA HB1280
Bill
Status
Engrossed
2/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
Joshua Cole
Click for details
AI Summary
- Expands prisoner rehabilitation programs to include technological literacy, financial literacy, mental health support, relationship skills, and social capital development in addition to existing education and employment programs
- Prohibits disqualifying prisoners from programs based solely on sentence length, conviction type, or participation in other programs, and limits program removal to 90 days maximum for disciplinary infractions
- Requires the Department of Corrections to assess prisoners' existing skills and certifications to identify those who can serve as peer mentors and program facilitators for other inmates
- Mandates reentry plans include high school equivalency test readiness assessments and coordination with external organizations including pre-release and post-incarceration service providers
- Establishes a work group including reentry providers, advocates, former inmates, and corrections staff to develop recommendations by July 1, 2027, for expanding external programming networks and peer-led programs
Legislative Description
State correctional facilities; participation of prisoners in employment & education program, report.
Last Action
Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)
3/4/2026
Committee Referrals
Finance and Appropriations2/27/2026
Rehabilitation and Social Services2/18/2026
Appropriations: Transportation & Public Safety1/31/2026
Appropriations1/30/2026
Militia, Police and Public Safety: Subcommittee #21/23/2026
Public Safety1/14/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available