Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Virginia HB1030: An Act to amend and reenact §§ 53.1-136, 53.1-154, 53.1-154.1, and 53.1-155 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 53.1-151.1, relating to discretionary parole criteria guidelines.
Status: Chaptered, April 22, 2026
Discretionary parole eligibility guidelines. Requires the Virginia Parole Board to complete discretionary parole criteria guidelines, described in the bill, for each prisoner eligible for parole. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.
What the bill says
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 53.1-136, 53.1-154, 53.1-154.1, and 53.1-155 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 53.1-151.1, relating to discretionary parole criteria guidelines. [H 1030] Approved April 22, 2026 1. That §§ 53.1-136, 53.1-154, 53.1-154.1, and 53.1-155 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 53.1-151.1 as notice of release of certain inmates; report. In addition to the other powers and duties imposed upon the Board by this article, the Board 2. Adopt.
From the enrolled text, April 22, 2026:
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 53.1-136, 53.1-154, 53.1-154.1, and 53.1-155 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 53.1-151.1, relating to discretionary parole criteria guidelines. [H 1030] Approved April 22, 2026 1. That §§ 53.1-136, 53.1-154, 53.1-154.1, and 53.1-155 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 53.1-151.1 as notice of release of certain inmates; report. In addition to the other powers and duties imposed upon the Board by this article, the Board 2. Adopt, subject to approval by the Governor, rules providing for the granting of parole to those prisoners who are eligible for parole pursuant to § 53.1-165.1 on the basis of demonstrated maturity and rehabilitation and the lesser culpability of juvenile offenders; 3. a. Release on parole for such time and upon such terms and conditions as the Board shall prescribe, persons convicted of felonies and confined under the laws of the Commonwealth in any correctional facility in Virginia when those persons become eligible and are found suitable for parole, according to those rules adopted pursuant to subdivisions 1 and 2; b. Notify the Department of Corrections of its decision to grant discretionary parole or conditional release to an inmate. The Department …