COVID-19 early release program for Virginia incarcerated persons to end July 1
As the coronavirus pandemic raged over the past year, Virginia prison officials released more than 2,100 inmates early to try to control the spread of the virus by reducing the prison population. That practice will end on July 1, the Department of Corrections announced Wednesday.
Virginia senate defeats bill to restore parole
The Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee voted to send the measure to the Virginia State Crime Commission for study, ending the billโs chances of passing this year. Virginia abolished discretionary parole in 1995 and began requiring offenders to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences. AdDespite the 1995 parole abolition, a limited number of incarcerated people are eligible for consideration: mainly those who committed their crimes before 1995 or are older than 60 and meet certain conditions making them eligible for geriatric release. They emphasized that the bill wouldnโt automatically grant parole, it would just give inmates a chance to have their case considered. AdSen. Joe Morrissey, who was a chief co-patron of the bill, said he supports the restoration of parole but agreed that the issue needs more study.
Judge lets ex-cop charged in Floydโs death live out of state
MINNEAPOLIS โ A Minnesota judge cited safety concerns as he issued new conditions of release for an ex-Minneapolis police officer charged in the death of George Floyd that would allow him to live in a neighboring state while he awaits trial. Floyd died after Chauvin, who is white, pressed his knee against Floydโs neck for several minutes even after the handcuffed Black man pleaded for air before his death May 25. Chauvin was later charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Tim Walz mobilized National Guard troops and state law enforcement officers to help keep the peace. Under the new conditions, he โmust establish residency somewhere in the State of Minnesota or a contiguous state as soon as possible" and report it to his supervising officer.