Legislators propose ‘Justice Commission’

Two Democratic state legislators recommend changing the State Crime Commission into the “Virginia Justice Commission.”

Legislation introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Mount Vernon, and Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, would broaden the commission’s focus from solely crime and punishment to include diversion, rehabilitation, collateral consequences of convictions, firearm violence prevention, equity and fairness in the criminal legal system and prisoner re-entry.

The bills would change the membership of the commission by adding the executive director of the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, the State Police superintendent, and experts in rehabilitation, reform and reentry.

“For too long, the Crime Commission has been focused on outdated and unproven strategies such as mandatory minimum sentences, over-felonizing behavior, and failing to balance accountability with rehabilitation,” Surovell said. “It is time that the commission took a broader focus to ensure that, while people who commit crimes in Virginia receive accountability and crime victims receive justice, the system also provides for a fair trial and avenues for education, rehabilitation and re-entry,” he added.

The Senate version of the legislation has been referred to the Rules Committee.