Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 739: Virginia Parole Board; increases membership, appointment of members, powers and duties.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 739 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Virginia Parole Board; increases membership, appointment of members, powers and duties. Primary sponsor: Wren Williams (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Committee Public Safety.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Virginia Parole Board; membership; appointment of members; powers and duties. Increases the membership of the Parole Board from up to five members to 10 members, five of whom are to be appointed by the Governor, three of whom are to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, and two of whom are to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. The bill requires that four of the five Parole Board members appointed by the Governor have specific background and experience as enumerated in the bill. The bill also provides that when the Parole Board votes to deny an inmate's parole and issues the basis for such denial in writing as required by current law, the Parole Board shall also include in such writing specific steps that the inmate may take to demonstrate commitment to rehabilitation and notice that the Parole Board shall, at such inmate's next parole hearing, consider whether the inmate has taken such steps. Finally, the bill requires the Parole Board, at least 30 days prior to its final deliberation and vote regarding whether to grant parole to an inmate, to provide a true copy of all information collected throughout the investigation to such inmate, his attorney, or another person that the inmate has designated to receive such information either electronically or in paper form.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wren Williams | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 47 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Left in Committee Public Safety
- Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (7-Y 0-N)
- Assigned HMPPS sub: Subcommittee #2
- Referred to Committee on Public Safety
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104769D