Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have proposed to increase the amount of time inmates can earn for good behavior.
Thursday night a group of citizens sweated their way through a House subcommittee meeting to speak in favor of the legislation.
Two grandchildren were born in the two and a half years that have passed since Frances Ross’s partner went to prison. Under current law, he’s eligible to earn about 15% off his 7 year sentence, if he exhibits good behavior.
But Ross says those standards are vague and don’t offer enough incentive. "Because people who are there now, they have no motivation or reason to be good or respectful."
Bills from both sides of the aisle would change that. Democratic Delegate Don Scott proposed a measure to replace the existing rate with a four-tiered credit system based on predefined levels of inmate cooperation.
A similar bill introduced by Republican Delegate Jeffrey Campbell would increase the existing rate of days earned. But it would apply only to nonviolent offenders.
Ross was in a line of advocates who said earlier release would encourage good behavior, make enforcement easier for corrections officers and save the state millions in prison dollars. "It's not about my person. I think it’s about all of the people. "
The room broke out in applause when each of the bills successfully moved on to the Courts of Justice Committee.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.