Decreasing probation period; criteria for mandatory reduction. Establishes criteria for which a defendant's supervised probation period shall be reduced, including completing qualifying educational activities, maintaining verifiable employment, complying with or completing any state-certified or state-approved mental health or substance abuse treatment program, securing and maintaining qualifying health insurance or a qualifying health care plan, and obtaining housing and establishing residence. The bill provides that a court may decrease a defendant's probation period if warranted by the defendant's conduct and in the interests of justice and may do so without a hearing. Such provisions do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2026 Session of the General Assembly. The bill also directs the Department of Corrections to meet with all relevant stakeholders, including the Virginia Probation and Parole Association and criminal justice reform organizations, and provide to the General Assembly by November 1, 2025, a report that describes in detail (i) current practices for community supervision as it relates to monitoring engagement and attainment in education, employment, treatment, and other programs and making recommendations to the court for modification of time served on probation and (ii) how such practices compare to the processes and practices that would be established if reenacted by the 2026 Session of the General Assembly.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19.2-304
SFIN Sub: Public Safety & Claims Substitute: 19.2-304
Courts of Justice Substitute: 19.2-304