Unlikely allies unite for probation reform, but Youngkin has final say

Virginia’s criminal justice future is shaking up the status quo. In a departure from tradition, a probation reform bill is uniting unlikely allies across party lines.

Typically, criminal justice reform in Virginia is championed by Democrats with little Republican backing. However, this year, Del. Wren Williams, R-Patrick, has captured national attention by teaming up with Del. Katrina Callsen, D-Albemarle, on an ambitious probation overhaul.

In the Senate, Sen. Christie New Craig, R-Virginia Beach, advanced a version of the bill.

If enacted, the legislation would allow formerly incarcerated individuals to earn credits towards reductions in their probation terms by achieving key milestones that demonstrate their rehabilitation. These include securing employment for at least 30 hours a week, earning vocational certifications, participating in mental health or substance use treatment programs, and obtaining stable housing and health insurance coverage.

The measure, bolstered by Reform Alliance — a national criminal justice organization founded by rappers Jay Z, Meek Mill and others — is now headed to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk. It also has the backing of the conservative-leaning group Americans For Prosperity, along with several Virginia-based criminal justice organizations such as Nolef Turns and The Humanization Project.

Advocates emphasize that the reform could significantly reduce recidivism — the cycle of reoffending that leads many back behind bars.

Despite Youngkin’s previous veto of a version of the bill carried by Callsen last year, reform supporters are optimistic. They point to the governor‘s own initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism by supporting formerly incarcerated individuals.

Notably, just months after rejecting Callsen’s proposal last year, Youngkin issued an executive order directing state agencies to share data and coordinate efforts to help individuals connect to vital resources during their transition from incarceration to freedom.

Reform Alliance policy manager Shawn Weneta said the organization is “excited” to see that the bills advanced with “bipartisan support both within the General Assembly and within the advocacy community.”

“Hopefully (Youngkin) will sign this into law,” Weneta said.

Williams, who has served on the House Courts of Justice Committee with Callsen, was motivated to spearhead the legislation this year after observing a similar law enacted in Florida and recalling how President Donald Trump signed congressional prison reforms during his first term.

Williams stated that the bipartisan drive for probation reform is “recognition that the punitive approach has not worked.” He added, “By prioritizing rehabilitation, Virginia is building a more effective, efficient criminal justice system that benefits individuals, communities, and taxpayers alike.”

He emphasized that reducing probation can help formerly incarcerated individuals “rebuild their lives out of the American Dream” and contribute to creating safer communities for all.

While Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears did not comment directly on the legislation, she expressed a shared ethos behind the reform.

During a Feb. 12 segment on The John Fredericks Show, Earle-Sears explained that “we want to do as much as possible to ensure that we don’t spend the money twice.”

She was discussing broader access to educational and vocational opportunities for incarcerated individuals, aiming to help with employment and housing once their sentences are completed.

“If we can give them incentives then we can get them engaged, get them an education… Then if you have a job of course there’s something about work that dignifies the soul,” she said. “I’m all for lifting up that soul.”

Earle-Sears, who previously spent time in prison ministry before her election to statewide office, shared how such work offered a sense of l hope to people during times when it may be scarce.

She also spoke about providing housing to former inmates could reduce recidivism, helping individuals get back on their feet.

“You’re not gonna go steal and create mayhem to pay for shelter,” she remarked.

During the conversation, Fredricks also asked her specifically about the legislation, expressing that he is “in favor of” it. While she did not directly state her support, she pointed out the strong bipartisan support it received, meaning her tie-breaking vote wasn’t necessary.

Should Youngkin choose to not sign Williams’ and New Craig’s bill, the lawmakers could try again next year, with a different executive branch in place.

As Winsome Earle-Sears is running for governor, she could potentially have more opportunities to weigh in on a future version of the proposal.