Virginia Rejects Bill To Let Prisoners Request Resentencing for Cannabis Convictions

In Virginia, the House Appropriations Committee blocked a bill that would have allowed people in jail or on probation to request a modified sentence.

Vice-Chairman Terry Austin said he was voting against it because the total costs and impact were unclear.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Scott Surovell, would have allowed individuals to apply to the Virginia Parole Board for resentencing.  

There are close to 600 people who are currently incarcerated and about 80 more who had other crimes enhanced because of previous marijuana charges.
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Catherine Cole / The M News Now
 

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