VA SB162

Automatically restores voting rights to individuals convicted of felonies upon their release from incarceration, eliminating the current requirement for gubernatorial restoration of civil rights.

Defines "incarceration" as 24-hour confinement in state or local correctional facilities, excluding probation, parole, post-release supervision, or community correctional facilities.

Requires the Department of Corrections and State Board of Local and Regional Jails to transmit scheduled release information to the Department of Elections at least 15-16 days before release dates to enable timely voter registration updates.

Removes felony conviction as a disqualification for jury service, leaving only persons adjudicated incapacitated and those convicted of treason as disqualified.

Creates a "safety net" provision allowing formerly incarcerated individuals who encounter registration issues to provide a certified copy of their official release document to complete voter registration without requiring court orders or other documentation.