The Virginia Senate took a major step toward delivering meaningful change for the more than 53,000 Virginians on probation in the state. By a unanimous, bipartisan, 40-0 vote, the Senate passed SB 936, a REFORM-championed bill that would create an incentive system that encourages people on probation to: 

  • Hold down a steady job 
  • Earn a degree or certification 
  • Complete mental health or treatment programs
  • Get stable housing & health insurance 

“This is a commonsense solution that benefits everyone—families, employers, taxpayers, and communities,” said REFORM CEO Jessica Jackson. “When we reward people for taking meaningful steps toward rehabilitation, we not only improve public safety but also build a stronger, more prosperous Virginia.”

“For probation to work, it needs to offer a clear path forward and a way out of the system for those who prove they are ready. HB 2252 and SB 936 improve this process and strengthen the link between accountability and opportunity,” said Sheba Williams, Executive Director of Nolef Turns.

“When someone works hard to rebuild their life, they’re proving they’ve earned their way out of the probation system. This bill rewards that progress…It’s a win for public safety, a win for taxpayers, and a win for Virginia’s future,” said Delegate Wren Williams (R-Patrick).

“HB 2252 can bring positive reform to our released community, incentivize positive behavior, and create a safer and more just state,” said Delegate Katrina Callsen (D-Charlottesville).

The resounding support for SB 936, and last week’s bipartisan passage of companion bill HB 2252, is a result of our evidence-based, commonsense approach, and it proves that supervision reform and public safety can go hand-in-hand. In the coming weeks, the House and Senate will review each version of the bill and consider them for final passage, and soon, we hope, will send the legislation to Governor Youngkin’s desk. 

Probation is the single largest segment of Virginia’s criminal justice system, with more people on probation than in our prisons and jails combined. It is the crucial mechanism of support and reentry after someone returns to their community after prison. But too many Virginians on supervision face steep obstacles: low levels of education, limited work experience, chronic mental health or substance use issues, and difficulty securing housing, health care, and other critical services. According to national data, two-thirds of people on probation earn less than $20,000 annually and 22% do not have a high school diploma. 

That’s why Delegate Wren Williams (R), Delegate Katrina Callsen (D), Senator Christie New Craig (R), and Senator Barbara Favola (D) introduced and authored HB 2252 and SB 936, legislation aimed at making the system more effective and empowering people on supervision to rebuild their lives. The premise of these bills is simple: If you are taking steps to better yourself and your community–finding employment, earning a degree or certification, completing a mental health treatment program, or finding stable housing and health insurance–you can earn reductions in your probation term. 

The legislation would also boost Virginia’s economy by encouraging people on probation to gain skills and get full-time jobs, which not only lowers their chances of reoffending but helps address Virginia’s severe worker shortage.

With the passage of these bills–and the unanimous passage of SB 936–we are proving that bipartisan change is possible when we prioritize safety, stability, and second chances. Now it’s time to get the job done. Our bipartisan Virginia Safety Coalition is working together, across every corner of the Commonwealth, to make sure these bills become law in the weeks ahead. Please share this win with your networks and help us fight for a probation system that works for all Virginians.