Legislation Would Modernize Virginia’s Probation System, Strengthening Public Safety, Workforce Development, and Successful Reentry

Richmond, VA – The Virginia General Assembly has approved Governor Youngkin’s amendments to a landmark probation incentives measure, House Bill 2252 and Senate Bill 936, with bipartisan support in the House and Senate. The legislation creates clear pathways for individuals on probation to reduce their supervision terms by meeting key milestones proven to reduce recidivism, such as stable employment, educational progress, vocational certifications, healthcare coverage, and secure housing.

The measure closely mirrors Governor Youngkin’s “Stand Tall – Stay Strong – Succeed Together” Executive Order, which links steady employment, stable housing, and structured rehabilitation to public safety goals.

Though approved this session with Governor Youngkin and the General Assembly’s support, the legislation must be reenacted next year before becoming law. In the interim, a work group convened by the Department of Corrections and made up of state agencies, law enforcement, criminal justice organizations, and victim advocates will meet to develop recommendations for implementation prior to the next legislative session.

Patroned by Delegate Wren Williams (R-Patrick), Delegate Katrina Callsen (D-Charlottesville), Senator Christie New Craig (R-Virginia Beach), and Senator Barbara Favola (D-Arlington), the measures received overwhelming bipartisan support and united lawmakers from across the Commonwealth in improving public safety and enhancing Virginia’s probation system.

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, CPAC, FailSafe-ERA, Virginia Interfaith, Nolef Turns, and The Humanization Project.

Virginia’s two largest law enforcement unions, the Virginia Police Benevolent Association and the Virginia Chapter of the National Coalition of Public Safety Officers also supported these bills.

Quotes from Key Supporters:

“Probation reform is about ensuring fairness, accountability, and second chances for those who are willing to turn their lives around,” said Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. “During my time working in the ministry of a men’s prison, I saw firsthand the power of redemption and the importance of a justice system that offers a path forward. With Governor Youngkin’s amendments, we are striking the right balance—holding offenders accountable while also creating opportunities for rehabilitation and reentry. This is how we build stronger families, safer communities, and a more just Virginia.”

“These policies will uplift thousands of individuals by providing real incentives for personal growth and professional accomplishments,” said Jessica Jackson, CEO at REFORM Alliance. “We thank Governor Youngkin, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, members of the General Assembly, and our incredible coalition of community and law enforcement groups for coming together to bring probation incentives one step closer to law.”

“This legislation is precisely what thoughtful, data-driven reform should look like,” said Erin Haney, Chief Policy Officer at REFORM Alliance. “Strategic incentives for people on supervision have been proven to lower recidivism, strengthen public safety, and save taxpayer dollars. We’re excited to see Virginia lead on this.”

“This was an all-hands-on-deck effort,” said Shawn Weneta, Policy Manager-East at REFORM Alliance, “bringing together both parties, law enforcement, community members, and a diverse group of partners. We’ll stay united and be back next session to fully enact these reforms.”

“These are the type of bipartisan, results-oriented approaches we need to see more of in Virginia,” said Senator Christie New Craig (R-Virginia Beach). “I’m proud of our work, grateful to the Governor, and excited for the momentum we’ve built to bring these policies into law.”

“Those re-entering society need opportunities to succeed.  The pathways offered in this legislation provide such opportunities and are essential ingredients for safer communities,” said Senator Barbara Favola (D-Arlington). “I was proud to stand in support of this legislation and look forward to seeing these reforms fully enacted next session.”

“We’re grateful to Governor Youngkin for his support of these measures,” said Joe Woloszyn, President of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association. “This is a pragmatic approach that advances public safety and responsible supervision practices. Our probation officers will soon have more tools at their disposal to execute on their mission of Public Safety First once these policies are enacted into law.” 

“In Virginia, we succeed when we find common ground on pragmatic solutions like probation incentives,” said Senator Russet Perry (D-Loudoun). “The General Assembly and Governor Youngkin took a balanced approach that gives us time to be thoughtful about implementation and measure our progress along the way, collecting input from law enforcement, advocates, and other stakeholders. This was a great step forward and I look forward to returning next session to help usher these bills into law.”

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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/ 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 19 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/

MEDIA CONTACT: media@reformalliance.com