The parole board in Virginia has been facing increased scrutiny in recent months as officials have pushed for the early release of eligible offenders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Republicans have been calling for more transparency and scrutiny in the process and they were able to achieve their goal on Tuesday as the full Virginia Senate convened in Richmond.
The Senate unanimously passed a bill from Senator Mark Obenshain (R) that requires the board to verify that the victim is notified prior to an incarcerated individual being released. The bill would also require monthly reports from the board about the actions and repeals the authority of the Director of the Department of Corrections to identify and recommend to the Board prisoners for early parole consideration.
In addition to tightening up the rules for the parole board, the chamber voted to pass a bill from Senator David R. Suetterlein (R) that would make the individual voting records of the board members accessible by a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
Speaking against the bill, Senator Mark Ebbin (D) noted a tweet where someone threatened the lives of members of the board. “I’d hate to be you scumbags who released a cop killer. People can find your address very easily any time”
Speaking in favor of the bill, Senator Siobhan Dunnavant (R) said the mean and threatening tweets that parole board members receive are not a reason for a lack of transparency. She also referenced how the voting records of Senators is public and that they receive mean tweets too.
In addition to the parole board reform measures that the chamber took up, Senator Ryan Mcdougle was able to champion his bill that requires the Department of Medical Assistance Services to implement an electronic visit verification system to confirm delivery of in-home services by providers of consumer-directed personal care, respite care, or companion services.
The Senators also passed a bill that allows the Governor to purchase personal protective equipment for private businesses and entities. Sponsored by Senator David Marsden (D), the bill requires that prior to making any such purchase, the Governor shall ensure that the cost will be reimbursed or funded by the federal government or a private entity.
These pieces of legislation will have to also pass the House of Delegates before the Governor will decide if he wants to sign the bills into law.
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