HB 193: Parole; exception to limitation on the application of parole statutes.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Parole; exception to limitation on the application of parole statutes. Provides that a person is eligible to be considered for parole if such person (i) was sentenced by a jury after the date of the Supreme Court of Virginia decision in Fishback v. Commonwealth, 260 Va. 104 (2000), in which the Supreme Court held that a jury should be instructed on the fact that parole has been abolished, for a felony committed on or after the abolition of parole going into effect on January 1, 1995; (ii) can prove by the preponderance of the evidence that the jury in his case was not instructed on the fact that parole has been abolished; and (iii) remained incarcerated for the offense on July 1, 2026, and the offense was not one of the following: (a) a Class 1 felony; (b) if the victim was a minor, rape, forcible sodomy, object sexual penetration, or aggravated sexual battery or an attempt to commit any such act; or (c) carnal knowledge. The bill also requires the Parole Board to establish procedures for consideration of parole of persons entitled to it and also provides that any person who is eligible for parole as of July 1, 2026, shall be scheduled for a parole interview no later than July 1, 2027, allowing for extension of time for reasonable cause.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 8

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 8, 2026Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0367)
2. April 8, 2026Approved by Governor-Chapter 367 (effective 7/1/2026)
3. April 1, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB193)
4. March 31, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
5. March 31, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
6. March 31, 2026Signed by Speaker
7. March 30, 2026Signed by President
8. March 30, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB193ER)
9. March 30, 2026Enrolled
10. March 12, 2026Senate amendments agreed to by House (63-Y 35-N 0-A)
11. March 11, 2026Passed Senate with amendments (26-Y 14-N 0-A)
12. March 11, 2026Engrossed by Senate as amended

Showing 12 most recent of 33 actions. Full history