| WASHINGTON, D.C — By John Fredericks It’s the natural extension of President Trump’s first-term landmark First Step Act legislation, reforming our criminal justice system and attempting to halt our school-to-prison pipeline. The First Step Act aimed at reforming federal prisons and sentencing laws in order to reduce recidivism, decrease the burgeoning federal inmate population, and maintain public safety. Several states have enacted effective probation reform, awarding get-off probation credits to those who are successfully assimilating back into society. This also frees up probation officers to focus on those who are on probation and having issues. Virginia and Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) joined this initiative this week. Reform Alliance, Law Enforcement Leaders, and Bipartisan Support Drove the Effort Forward Governor Youngkin announced amendments to House Bill 2252 and Senate Bill 936, bipartisan legislation modernizing Virginia’s probation system through smart incentives for rehabilitation that mirror his Stand Tall – Stay Strong – Succeed Together Executive Order. Patroned by Delegate Wren Williams (R-Patrick) and Delegate Katrina Callsen (D-Charlottesville) in the House and Senator Christie New Craig (R-Virginia Beach) and Senator Barbara Favola (D-Arlington) in the Senate, the legislation enables people on probation to earn modest reductions in their supervision terms by achieving milestones proven to reduce crime, such as maintaining steady employment, educational attainment, vocational certification, health insurance coverage, and stable housing. These reforms will reduce recidivism and make Virginia safer. The bills passed unanimously in the Senate and with a supermajority in the House. “This would not have been possible without the broad bipartisan coalition who joined us in fighting for these bills–– including the two largest law enforcement unions in Virginia, who recognized the immense stress frontline probation officers face due to overwhelming caseloads that hinder public safety, along with prosecutors, re-entry organizations, and lawmakers from both parties, said Shawn Weneta, Policy Manager – East, Reform Alliance. “We are grateful for Governor Youngkin’s support of these policies, to Lt. Governor Winsome Earl-Sears for her support, as well as to Delegate Williams and Senator Craig, who worked hard to build the incredible support we saw – unanimous passage in the Senate and a supermajority in the House – for these bills.” Godzilla Gets A Shout Out Finally, a huge shout out to John Fredericks and his team who championed this reform across the airwaves and face-to-face with Virginia lawmakers as the bill made its way through the General Assembly and to the Governor’s desk,” Waneta continued. “These reforms are a win for everyone—they empower probation officers to focus on higher-risk cases while giving people on probation the tools to succeed,” Waneta added. “[Virginia’s] HB 2252 and SB 936 are supported by organizations like Americans for Prosperity and CPAC, as well as law enforcement organizations like the Virginia Police Benevolent Association and the National Coalition of Public Safety Officers, who represent Virginia’s frontline probation officers.” Waneta pointed out. “These groups came together, transcending party lines, to champion real, lasting reforms to Virginia’s justice system. Reform Alliance is proud to be part of this transformative, bipartisan movement.” National Movement Reform Alliance officials told me they are targeting more states to adopt their probation reform initiatives. The ultimate goal is to get sweeping Federal legislation to overhaul to nation’s probationary system. The natural extension of President Trump’s First Step Act, the ultimate goal of probation reform is to reduce America’s out-of-control recidivism and slam shut the revolving prison door. | 
