FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2025

Coalition Applauds House and Senate Committees’ Passage of HB2252 & SB936, Strengthening Virginia’s Probation System

Legislation Modernizes Probation System, Prioritizing Public Safety, Workforce Development, and Successful Reentry

Richmond, VA – A diverse coalition of organizations led by REFORM Alliance applauded the Virginia House Courts of Justice and Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committees for advancing HB2252 and SB936, probation incentives legislation patroned by Delegate Wren Williams (R-Patrick) and Delegate Katrina Callsen (D-Charlottesville) in the House and Senator Christie New Craig (R-Virginia Beach) in the Senate. The legislation passed out of both committees with strong bipartisan support with a vote of 13-7 in the House and unanimously in the Senate.

HB2252 and SB 936 are evidence-based legislation designed to increase success rates among people on probation by allowing individuals to earn modest reductions in their probation terms for completing milestones that demonstrate meaningful progress toward rehabilitation, including:

  • Securing steady employment (30+ hours per week)
  • Completing an educational milestone or vocational certification
  • Participating in certified mental healthcare or substance use treatment programs
  • Securing stable housing and maintaining health insurance coverage

Freeing people from supervision earlier, once they’ve clearly demonstrated responsibility and progress, would reduce probation officer caseloads and allow officers to focus on individuals who pose a higher risk. Additionally, the bill supports Virginia’s growing economy by incentivizing individuals to develop marketable skills and seek full-time employment, helping to relieve workforce shortages in key industries across the Commonwealth.

The legislation is endorsed by the Virginia Safety Coalition, a bipartisan group made up of over 50 organizations from across the Commonwealth including REFORM Alliance, Americans for Prosperity Virginia, FailSafe-ERA, Virginia Interfaith, Nolef Turns, and The Humanization Project.

HB2252 and SB936 now head to the House floor and the Senate Finance committee for further consideration.

Quotes from Key Supporters:

Delegate Wren Williams (R-Patrick):
I want to thank my Co-patron Del. Callsen for her collaboration and my colleagues on the Committee for their thoughtful consideration and bipartisan support of HB2252. This bill is about doing what’s right for Virginia – rewarding personal responsibility, strengthening public safety, and giving people a real chance to turn their lives around. It builds on Governor Youngkin’s ‘Stand Tall – Stay Strong – Succeed Together’ initiative, recognizing that successful reentry benefits everyone. When someone works hard to rebuild their life, they’re proving they’ve earned their way out of the probation system and back into the community as a productive, responsible citizen. This bill rewards that progress, reduces the burden on our probation officers, and ensures our resources are focused on those who pose the greatest risk. It’s a win for public safety, a win for taxpayers, and a win for Virginia’s future.

Erin Haney, Chief Policy Officer, REFORM Alliance:

This legislation reflects what’s possible when we focus on common ground. The bipartisan support for HB 2252 and SB 936 is a testament to its practical, evidence-based approach to strengthening public safety and building stronger communities across Virginia. For people on supervision, this bill ensures their efforts are recognized—whether they’re working 30 hours a week, pursuing education, or providing for their families. That recognition can make the difference between hopelessness and hope, offering individuals a clear path to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities. This legislation will deliver real, measurable benefits for public safety, taxpayers, and families. We are grateful to the lawmakers leading this effort and look forward to its swift passage through the General Assembly.

Shawn Weneta, Policy Manager – East, REFORM Alliance

For too many people on probation, the system can feel like a trap where mistakes are punished harshly but progress goes unrewarded. This bill changes that. It provides a clear and achievable path to success. If you maintain employment, pursue education, engage in treatment, secure insurance and housing, you will earn a modest reduction of your probation term. It’s an incentive for people on probation to prove they’ve changed. Similar policies in other states like Florida, Missouri, and South Carolina have reduced recidivism, improved public safety, and supported workforce development, and HB 2252 and SB 936 is grounded in those proven successes. Virginia already leads the nation with some of the lowest recidivism rates, and this bill ensures we continue to be known for smart on crime solutions. I urge the General Assembly to move this legislation forward.

Sheba Williams, Executive Director, Nolef Turns:

Probation is one of the most critical tools we have for ensuring a successful transition from prison back into the community. It provides structure, accountability, and support at a time when individuals need it most. But 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 improvet this process, reducing the risk of reoffending, and giving probation officers more capacity to focus on those who truly need close supervision. This bill truly strengthens the link between accountability and opportunity, which will make our communities safer and more stable.

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More About REFORM:

REFORM Alliance is committed to transforming probation and parole throughout the United States by changing laws, systems, and culture. Our goal is to replace America’s punitive criminal justice system with a restorative approach that is fair, accountable, and invested in rehabilitation, making families and communities safer and stronger. Since its founding, REFORM Alliance has passed 18 bipartisan bills in 11 states, creating pathways for more than 850,000 people to exit the system.  For more information, visit https://reformalliance.com/meet-reform/ 

About the Virginia Safety Coalition:

The Virginia Safety Coalition is a diverse, bipartisan coalition of leaders, experts, impacted individuals, and advocacy organizations. We are committed to improving public safety, decreasing recidivism, and advancing equity and efficiency in our courts by making common-sense improvements to Virginia’s supervision systems and increasing access to meaningful second chances. For more information, visit https://vasafetycoalition.com/