Virginia Law

There shall be a Parole Board which shall consist of up to five members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, if in session when such appointment is made, and if not in session, then at its next succeeding session. At least one member of the Parole Board shall be a representative of a crime victims' organization or a victim of crime as defined in subsection B of § 19.2-11.01.

The members of the Parole Board shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

Code 1950, §§ 53-230, 53-231, 53-232, 53-233, 53-234, 53-235, 53-236; 1966, c. 638; 1970, c. 648; 1973, c. 253; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1975, c. 316; 1982, c. 636; 1984, c. 584; 1997, cc. 795, 883; 2002, c. 569.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, if the Parole Board adopts a rule or regulation requiring the concurrence of four or more members of the Parole Board to grant discretionary parole or conditional release, in the event that there are less than four members but at least three members on the Parole Board, then such requirement shall be satisfied upon a unanimous vote of all members on the Parole Board.

2024, c. 458.

The Governor shall designate one of the members so appointed as Chairman of the Board. The Board may elect one of its members as Vice-Chairman; in the absence of the Chairman, he shall have the same duties as are conferred upon the Chairman. The Chairman shall be a full-time state employee. The Governor may designate no more than two other members of the Board as full-time state employees. Members of the Board not designated full-time state employees shall be considered part-time state employees.

Code 1950, §§ 53-234; 53-235; 1966, c. 638; 1970, c. 648; 1973, c. 253; 1975, c. 316; 1978, c. 552; 1982, c. 636; 1988, c. 823; 1992, c. 144; 2002, c. 569.

In addition to the other powers and duties imposed upon the Board by this article, the Board shall:

1. Adopt, subject to approval by the Governor, general rules governing the granting of parole and eligibility requirements, which shall be published and posted for public review. Such eligibility rules shall require consideration of the prisoner's demonstrated rehabilitation, economic and educational development, commitment to prosocial behavior, and community and family supports;

2. Adopt, subject to approval by the Governor, rules providing for the granting of parole to those prisoners who are eligible for parole pursuant to § 53.1-165.1 on the basis of demonstrated maturity and rehabilitation and the lesser culpability of juvenile offenders;

3. a. Release on parole for such time and upon such terms and conditions as the Board shall prescribe, persons convicted of felonies and confined under the laws of the Commonwealth in any correctional facility in Virginia when those persons become eligible and are found suitable for parole, according to those rules adopted pursuant to subdivisions 1 and 2;

b. Establish the conditions of postrelease supervision authorized pursuant to § 18.2-10 and subsection A of § 19.2-295.2;

c. Notify the Department of Corrections of its decision to grant discretionary parole or conditional release to an inmate. The Department of Corrections shall set the release date for such inmate no sooner than 30 business days from the date that the Department of Corrections receives such notification from the Chairman of the Board, except that the Department of Corrections may set an earlier release date in the case of an inmate granted conditional release pursuant to § 53.1-40.02. In the case of an inmate granted parole who was convicted of a felony and sentenced to a term of 10 or more years, or an inmate granted conditional release, the Board shall notify the attorney for the Commonwealth in the jurisdiction where the inmate was sentenced (i) by electronic means at least 21 business days prior to such inmate's release that such inmate has been granted discretionary parole or conditional release pursuant to § 53.1-40.01 or 53.1-40.02 or (ii) by telephone or other electronic means prior to such inmate's release that such inmate has been granted conditional release pursuant to § 53.1-40.02 where death is imminent. Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the obligations of the Board under § 53.1-155 for investigation prior to release on discretionary parole;

d. Provide that in any case where a person who is released on parole or postrelease supervision has been committed to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services under the provisions of Chapter 9 (§ 37.2-900 et seq.) of Title 37.2 the conditions of his parole or postrelease supervision shall include the requirement that the person comply with all conditions given him by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and that he follow all of the terms of his treatment plan;

4. Revoke parole and any period of postrelease and order the reincarceration of any parolee or felon serving a period of postrelease supervision or impose a condition of participation in any component of the Statewide Community-Based Corrections System for State-Responsible Offenders (§ 53.1-67.2 et seq.) on any eligible parolee, when, in the judgment of the Board, he has violated the conditions of his parole or postrelease supervision or is otherwise unfit to be on parole or on postrelease supervision;

5. Issue final discharges to persons released by the Board on parole when the Board is of the opinion that the discharge of the parolee will not be incompatible with the welfare of such person or of society. Final discharges granted prior to the expiration of a period of parole shall be granted only upon approval by a majority of Board members. The Board shall publish an annual report regarding final discharges issued by the Board during the previous 12 months. The report shall include (i) the name of each prisoner granted final discharge, (ii) the offense of which the prisoner was convicted, (iii) the jurisdiction in which such offense was committed, (iv) the length of the prisoner's sentence and the date such sentence was imposed, (v) the amount of time the prisoner has been on parole or postrelease supervision in the community, (vi) the basis for the final discharge, and (vii) the vote of each Board member;

6. Make investigations and reports with respect to any commutation of sentence, pardon, reprieve or remission of fine, or penalty when requested by the Governor;

7. Publish a statement by the fifteenth day of each month regarding the actions taken by the Board on the parole of prisoners during the prior month. The statement shall list (i) the name of each prisoner considered for parole, (ii) the offense of which the prisoner was convicted, (iii) the jurisdiction in which such offense was committed, (iv) the length of the prisoner's sentence and the date such sentence was imposed, (v) the amount of time the prisoner has served, (vi) whether the prisoner was granted or denied parole, (vii) individualized reasons for the grant or denial of parole, and (viii) the final vote and the names of the Board members who voted in favor of granting parole and those who voted against. However, in the case of a prisoner granted parole, the information set forth in clauses (i) through (viii) regarding such prisoner shall be included in the statement published in the month immediately succeeding the month in which notification of the decision to grant parole was given to the attorney for the Commonwealth and any victims;

8. Publish an annual report regarding actions taken by the Board on the parole of prisoners during the prior year. Such report shall contain each monthly statement published by the Board pursuant to subdivision 7 and a summary that identifies (i) the total number of prisoners considered for parole, (ii) the number of persons granted parole, (iii) the number of persons denied parole, and (iv) the most common reasons for which parole was granted or denied;

9. Ensure that each person eligible for parole receives a timely and thorough review of his suitability for release on parole, including a review of any relevant post-sentencing information. If parole is denied, the basis for the denial of parole shall be in writing and shall give specific, individualized reasons for such denial to such inmate; and

10. Convene a public meeting, either in person or via video conference, when conducting the final deliberation and vote regarding whether the Board will grant parole to a prisoner. The prisoner being considered for parole or his attorney shall be permitted to attend such meeting either, in the Board's discretion, in person or via video conference. The victim shall be permitted to attend and participate in such meeting either, in the Board's discretion, in person or via video or phone conference or to provide written or recorded testimony. No decision to grant discretionary parole shall be made by the Board unless such decision was discussed and debated at a meeting at which a majority of the Board members were present. Whether the Board grants or denies discretionary parole to an inmate, each Board member shall identify his reasoning for such decision at the time such member's vote is cast.

Code 1950, §§ 53-238, 53-265; 1966, c. 638; 1970, c. 648; 1973, c. 253; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1979, c. 625; 1982, c. 636; 1990, c. 538; 2000, cc. 338, 767; 2002, c. 569; 2003, c. 132; 2005, c. 657; 2006, cc. 863, 914; 2009, cc. 813, 840; 2013, c. 708; 2020, cc. 2, 529; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 287, 545; 2022, c. 141; 2023, cc. 805, 806.

The Board is authorized to hold and conduct revocation hearings; to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of records, memoranda, papers and other documents before the Board or any representative of the Board; and to administer oaths and take testimony thereunder. The Board may authorize any member or other authorized representative of the Board to hold and conduct hearings, issue subpoenas, and administer oaths and take testimony thereunder. If any person fails or refuses to obey any such subpoena issued by the Board or any member or other authorized representative thereof, or hinders the orderly conduct and decorum of any hearing held and conducted by the Board or any member or other authorized representative thereof, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 53-239; 1970, c. 648; 1982, c. 636; 1985, c. 174.

It shall be the duty of all prison officials to grant to the members of the Board, or its properly accredited representatives, access at all reasonable times to any prisoner whom the Board has power to parole; to provide for the Board and its representatives facilities for communicating with and observing such prisoner; and to furnish to the Board such reports as the Board or the Chairman shall request. Such reports may concern the conduct and character of any prisoner in their custody and other facts deemed by the Board pertinent in determining whether such prisoner shall be paroled.

Code 1950, § 53-240; 1970, c. 648; 1973, c. 253; 1982, c. 636.

In addition to other powers and duties prescribed by law, the Chairman of the Board shall:

1. Preside at all meetings of the Board; cause the keeping of minutes of its proceedings and all other records required by law or by the Board incident to its functions, powers and duties;

2. Exercise supervision for the Board through probation and parole officers over prisoners released on conditional pardon as the Governor may require;

3. Sign for the Board its approval of annual reports, evaluations, requests, plans, budgets and other similar documents prepared for the Governor, other departments, and other entities; and

4. Serve as spokesman for the Board unless the Board designates another.

Code 1950, §§ 53-241, 53-265; 1970, c. 648; 1973, c. 253; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1982, c. 636; 1984, c. 734; 1988, c. 823; 1992, c. 144.

Repealed by Acts 1992, c. 144.

The Director of the Department of Corrections shall:

1. Direct and supervise the work of all probation and parole officers employed and authorized as officers of the court pursuant to the provisions of this article and the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.);

2. Carry or cause to be carried into effect all orders of the Board and all rules and regulations adopted by it pursuant to the provisions of this article;

3. Prepare and submit to the circuit courts of the Commonwealth lists of persons suitable and qualified, in his opinion, for authorization as probation and parole officers pursuant to the provisions of this article; and

4. Coordinate with the Parole Board the activities of the Department of Corrections that relate to parole.

Code 1950, § 53-241.1; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1979, c. 700; 1981, c. 276; 1982, c. 636; 2003, c. 944.

The Department shall ensure that educational, vocational, counseling, substance abuse, rehabilitative, and reentry services are available at all probation and parole offices.

2020, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 50, 52.

The Director of the Department shall divide the Commonwealth into as many separate probation and parole districts as he deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this article. The Director may change the area embraced in any probation and parole district to conform to conditions and demands as they arise.

Code 1950, § 53-242; 1970, c. 648; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1979, c. 700; 1982, c. 636; 1984, c. 514.

There shall be at least one probation and parole officer for each probation and parole district. The Director of the Department may assign officers authorized in one district to duties in another district. However, no such transfer shall be effected without the concurrence of the affected officer. Any officer so assigned shall have the same power and authority as an officer authorized by the judge or judges of the court or courts of such other district. The Director, in consultation with the court, shall designate all supervisory staff.

Code 1950, § 53-243; 1966, c. 638; 1973, c. 253; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1979, c. 700; 1982, c. 636; 1984, c. 514; 2003, c. 944.

The Director shall employ officers to carry out the powers and duties prescribed in § 53.1-145 and elsewhere in this article. The Director shall submit the names of eligible officers to the judge or judges of the judicial circuit where the officer is initially assigned to be authorized to act as an officer of the court.

The judge or judges of the judicial circuit to which an officer is assigned shall authorize the officer to serve as an officer of the court to carry out the power and duties prescribed in § 53.1-145 and elsewhere in this article. When the area of a probation and parole district lies in two or more judicial circuits, the probation and parole officers shall be authorized by joint action of the judges of the several circuits. If there are more than two such judges, a majority vote shall control the authorization.

Whenever the authorization is to be made by two judges and they fail to agree within 60 days of the Director's assignment of such officer, the Director shall authorize the officer to serve the judicial circuits of the Commonwealth.

The authorization of an officer by the judicial circuit to which the officer is initially assigned shall be valid in all judicial circuits in the Commonwealth regardless of subsequent assignments.

Code 1950, § 53-244; 1970, c. 648; 1973, c. 253; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1979, c. 700; 1982, c. 636; 1984, c. 514; 2003, c. 944.

Each probation and parole officer shall be authorized initially for a term of one year. Subsequent authorizations shall be for indefinite periods.

Code 1950, § 53-245; 1966, c. 638; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1978, c. 595; 1979, c. 700; 1982, c. 636; 2003, c. 944.

In addition to other powers and duties prescribed by this article, each probation and parole officer shall:

1. Investigate and report on any case pending in any court or before any judge in his jurisdiction referred to him by the court or judge;

2. Supervise and assist all persons within his territory placed on probation, secure, as appropriate and when available resources permit, placement of such persons in a substance abuse treatment program which may include utilization of acupuncture and other treatment modalities, and furnish every such person with a written statement of the conditions of his probation and instruct him therein; if any such person has been committed to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services under the provisions of Chapter 9 (§ 37.2-900 et seq.) of Title 37.2, the conditions of probation shall include the requirement that the person comply with all conditions given him by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and that he follow all of the terms of his treatment plan;

3. Supervise and assist all persons within his territory released on parole or postrelease supervision, secure, as appropriate and when available resources permit, placement of such persons in a substance abuse treatment program which may include utilization of acupuncture and other treatment modalities, and, in his discretion, assist any person within his territory who has completed his parole, postrelease supervision, or has been mandatorily released from any correctional facility in the Commonwealth and requests assistance in finding a place to live, finding employment, or in otherwise becoming adjusted to the community;

4. Arrest and recommit to the place of confinement from which he was released, or in which he would have been confined but for the suspension of his sentence or of its imposition, for violation of the terms of probation, post-release supervision pursuant to § 19.2-295.2 or parole, any probationer, person subject to post-release supervision or parolee under his supervision, or as directed by the Chairman, Board member or the court, pending a hearing by the Board or the court, as the case may be;

5. Keep such records, make such reports, and perform other duties as may be required of him by the Director and the court or judge by whom he was authorized;

6. Order and conduct, in his discretion, drug and alcohol screening tests of any probationer, person subject to post-release supervision pursuant to § 19.2-295.2 or parolee under his supervision who the officer has reason to believe is engaged in the illegal use of controlled substances or marijuana, or the abuse of alcohol. The cost of the test may be charged to the person under supervision. Regulations governing the officer's exercise of this authority shall be promulgated by the Director;

7. Have the power to carry a concealed weapon in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Director and upon the certification of appropriate training and specific authorization by a judge of a circuit court;

8. Provide services in accordance with any contract entered into between the Department of Corrections and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services pursuant to § 37.2-912;

9. Pursuant to any contract entered into between the Department of Corrections and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, probation and parole officers shall have the power to provide intensive supervision services to persons placed on conditional release, regardless of whether the person has any time remaining to serve on any criminal sentence, pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 37.2-900 et seq.);

10. Determine by reviewing the Department of Forensic Science DNA data bank sample tracking system upon intake and again prior to release whether a blood, saliva, or tissue sample is stored in the data bank for each person placed on probation or parole required to submit a sample pursuant to Article 1.1 (§ 19.2-310.2 et seq.) of Chapter 18 of Title 19.2 and, if a person's sample is not stored in the data bank, require the person placed on probation or parole to submit a sample for DNA analysis;

11. For every offender accepted pursuant to the Interstate Compact for the Supervision of Adult Offenders (§ 53.1-176.1 et seq.) who has been convicted of an offense that, if committed in Virginia, would require the offender to submit a sample pursuant to Article 1.1 (§ 19.2-310.2 et seq.) of Chapter 18 of Title 19.2, take a sample or verify that a sample has been taken and accepted into the data bank for DNA analysis in the Commonwealth;

12. Monitor the collection and payment of restitution to the victims of crime for offenders placed on supervised probation;

13. Prior to the release from supervision of any offender on probation as of July 1, 2019, review the criminal history record of the offender at least 60 days prior to release from supervision, or immediately if the offender is scheduled to be released from supervision within less than 60 days, to determine whether all offenses for which the offender is being supervised appear on such record and, if any such offense that is required to be reported to the Central Criminal Records Exchange pursuant to § 19.2-390 does not appear, (i) take and provide fingerprints and a photograph of the offender to the Central Criminal Records Exchange to be classified and filed as part of the criminal history record information pursuant to subsection D of § 19.2-390 and (ii) provide written or electronic notification to the Central Criminal Records Exchange within the Department of State Police that such offense does not appear on the offender's criminal history record; and

14. Upon intake of any offender on or after July 1, 2019, (i) take and provide fingerprints and a photograph of the offender to the Central Criminal Records Exchange to be classified and filed as part of the criminal history record information pursuant to subsection D of § 19.2-390, (ii) review the criminal history record of the offender to determine whether all offenses for which the offender is being supervised appear on such record, and (iii) if any such offense that is required to be reported to the Central Criminal Records Exchange pursuant to § 19.2-390 does not appear, provide written or electronic notification to the Central Criminal Records Exchange within the Department of State Police that such offense does not appear on the offender's criminal history record.

Nothing in this article shall require probation and parole officers to investigate or supervise cases before general district or juvenile and domestic relations district courts.

Code 1950, § 53-250; 1970, c. 648; 1973, c. 253; 1974, cc. 44, 45, 240; 1975, c. 630; 1976, c. 39; 1982, c. 636; 1992, cc. 188, 740; 1994, c. 935; 1994, 2nd Sp. Sess., cc. 1, 2; 1995, cc. 502, 574; 1997, c. 526; 2003, c. 944; 2006, cc. 698, 730, 863, 914; 2007, c. 528; 2009, cc. 813, 840; 2011, cc. 384, 410; 2014, cc. 674, 719; 2018, cc. 316, 671; 2019, cc. 782, 783; 2020, c. 759; 2022, cc. 41, 42.

Upon request of the governing body of a county, city or town, the probation and parole officer shall perform the same duties and have the same powers as to persons convicted for violations of ordinances of the county, city or town as he has as to persons violating laws of the Commonwealth. The county, city or town so using the services of a probation and parole officer shall pay a pro rata part of his expenses to be arrived at by mutual agreement between the local governing body and the Department.

Code 1950, § 53-249; 1970, c. 648; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1982, c. 636.

Each probation and parole officer shall receive as compensation for his services a salary to be fixed in accordance with the standards of classification of Chapter 29 (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) of Title 2.2. Each officer shall also be paid necessary traveling and other expenses incurred by him in the discharge of his duties. The salary and expenses herein provided for shall be paid by the Commonwealth and no part shall be paid by or chargeable to any county or city, except as hereinafter provided.

The governing body of any county or city may add to the fixed compensation of probation and parole officers such amount as the governing body may appropriate with the total amount not to exceed fifty percent of the amount paid by the Commonwealth to probation and parole officers. No additional amount paid by a local governing body shall be chargeable to the Department of Corrections or the Parole Board, nor shall it remove or supersede any authority, control or supervision of the Department or Board.

Code 1950, §§ 53-246, 53-247; 1956, c. 316; 1966, c. 483; 1970, c. 648; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1982, c. 636.

The court placing any person on probation may transfer such person from the supervision of one probation officer to that of another probation officer. Such transfer shall be reported by the court to both probation officers and to the person on probation. A record of the transfer shall be filed with the records of the case or entered upon the records of the court.

Whenever a person placed on probation resides in a locality removed from that in which the court which placed such person on probation is situated, or whenever a person on probation desires to remove to a locality other than that in which the court is situated, the court placing such person on probation may transfer him to a probation officer regularly appointed and authorized to serve for the locality in which the probationer resides or to which he is to move. In such cases the probation officer shall send to the court desiring to make the transfer a written statement that he will exercise supervision over such person. The statement shall be approved in writing by the judge of the court to which the probation officer is attached. The probation officer shall report concerning the conduct and condition of the probationer at regular intervals to the judge of the court who placed the defendant on probation.

Code 1950, § 53-277; 1982, c. 636.

Any probation officer appointed pursuant to this chapter may arrest a probationer without a warrant, or may deputize any other officer with power to arrest to do so, by a written statement setting forth that the probationer has, in the judgment of the probation officer, violated one or more of the terms or conditions upon which the probationer was released on probation. Such a written statement by a probation officer delivered to the officer in charge of any local jail or lockup shall be sufficient warrant for the detention of the probationer. Any officer deputized upon receipt of the written statement shall, in accordance with § 19.2-390, enter, or cause to be entered, the person's name and other appropriate information required by the Department of State Police into the "information systems" known as the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), established and maintained by the Department pursuant to Chapter 2 (§ 52-12 et seq.) of Title 52. Such information shall be deemed a warrant authorizing the arrest of the person anywhere in the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 53-278.5; 1962, c. 327; 1982, c. 636; 2010, c. 273.

A. Any person who has costs assessed against him pursuant to §§ 17.1-275.1, 17.1-275.2, 17.1-275.7, or § 17.1-275.8, or subsection B or C of § 16.1-69.48:1 shall be required to pay, as specified in those sections, a sentencing/supervision fee to be deposited in the general fund of the state treasury.

All fees assessed pursuant to this section shall be paid to the clerk of the sentencing court.

B. Except when the fee referenced in subsection A has been previously assessed, any person (i) who is granted parole or (ii) who participates in a work release program pursuant to the provisions of §§ 53.1-60 and 53.1-131 shall be required to pay a fee of fifty dollars as a condition of parole or work release.

Code 1950, § 53-19.40; 1981, c. 634; 1982, cc. 492, 636; 1984, c. 668; 1988, c. 824; 1990, cc. 511, 816; 1992, c. 529; 1993, c. 195; 1994, cc. 613, 638; 1994, 2nd Sp. Sess., cc. 1, 2; 1999, c. 9; 2000, c. 1040; 2002, c. 831.

Any person who is granted parole and who is required to receive substance abuse treatment as a condition of parole shall contribute towards the cost of such treatment based upon his ability to pay, as established pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Director. The regulations shall provide that (i) any fees collected for such treatment shall be paid directly to the service provider and (ii) any person may be exempt from the payment of such fees on the grounds of unreasonable hardship.

1996, c. 807; 2020, c. 759.

A. Except as herein otherwise provided, every person convicted of a felony and sentenced and committed by a court under the laws of this Commonwealth to the Department of Corrections, whether or not such person is physically received at a Department of Corrections facility, or as provided for in § 19.2-308.1:

1. For the first time, shall be eligible for parole after serving one-fourth of the term of imprisonment imposed, or after serving twelve years of the term of imprisonment imposed if one-fourth of the term of imprisonment imposed is more than twelve years;

2. For the second time, shall be eligible for parole after serving one-third of the term of imprisonment imposed, or after serving thirteen years of the term of imprisonment imposed if one-third of the term of imprisonment imposed is more than thirteen years;

3. For the third time, shall be eligible for parole after serving one-half of the term of imprisonment imposed, or after serving fourteen years of the term of imprisonment imposed if one-half of the term of imprisonment imposed is more than fourteen years;

4. For the fourth or subsequent time, shall be eligible for parole after serving three-fourths of the term of imprisonment imposed, or after serving fifteen years of the term of imprisonment imposed if three-fourths of the term of imprisonment imposed is more than fifteen years.

For the purposes of subdivisions 2, 3 and 4 of subsection A and for the purposes of subsections B1 and B2, prior commitments shall include commitments to any correctional facility under the laws of any state, the District of Columbia, the United States or its territories for murder, rape, robbery, forcible sodomy, animate or inanimate object sexual penetration, aggravated sexual battery, abduction, kidnapping, burglary, felonious assault or wounding, or manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing or possessing with the intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute a controlled substance, if such would be a felony if committed in the Commonwealth. Only prior commitments interrupted by a person's being at liberty, or resulting from the commission of a felony while in a correctional facility of the Commonwealth, of any other state or of the United States, shall be included in determining the number of times such person has been convicted, sentenced and committed for the purposes of subdivisions 2, 3 and 4 of subsection A. "At liberty" as used herein shall include not only freedom without any legal restraints, but shall also include release pending trial, sentencing or appeal, or release on probation or parole or escape. In the case of terms of imprisonment to be served consecutively, the total time imposed shall constitute the term of the imprisonment; in the case of terms of imprisonment to be served concurrently, the longest term imposed shall be the term of imprisonment. In any case in which a parolee commits an offense while on parole, only the sentence imposed for such offense and not the sentence or sentences or any part thereof from which he was paroled shall constitute the term of imprisonment.

The Department of Corrections shall make all reasonable efforts to determine prior convictions and commitments of each inmate for the enumerated offenses.

B. Persons sentenced to die shall not be eligible for parole. Any person sentenced to life imprisonment who escapes from a correctional facility or from any person in charge of his custody shall not be eligible for parole.

B1. Any person convicted of three separate felony offenses of (i) murder, (ii) rape or (iii) robbery by the presenting of firearms or other deadly weapon, or any combination of the offenses specified in subdivisions (i), (ii) or (iii) when such offenses were not part of a common act, transaction or scheme shall not be eligible for parole. In the event of a determination by the Department of Corrections that an individual is not eligible for parole under this subsection, the Parole Board may in its discretion, review that determination, and make a determination for parole eligibility pursuant to regulations promulgated by it for that purpose. Any determination of the Parole Board of parole eligibility thereby shall supersede any prior determination of parole ineligibility by the Department of Corrections under this subsection.

B2. Any person convicted of three separate felony offenses of manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing or possessing with the intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute a controlled substance, when such offenses were not part of a common act, transaction or scheme, and who has been at liberty as defined in this section between each conviction, shall not be eligible for parole.

C. Any person sentenced to life imprisonment for the first time shall be eligible for parole after serving fifteen years, except that if such sentence was for a Class 1 felony violation or the first degree murder of a child under the age of eight in violation of § 18.2-32, he shall be eligible for parole after serving twenty-five years, unless he is ineligible for parole pursuant to subsection B1 or B2.

D. A person who has been sentenced to two or more life sentences, except a person to whom the provisions of subsection B1, B2, or E of this section are applicable, shall be eligible for parole after serving twenty years of imprisonment, except that if either such sentence, or both, was or were for a Class 1 felony violation, and he is not otherwise ineligible for parole pursuant to subsection B1, B2, or E of this section, he shall be eligible for parole only after serving thirty years.

E. A person convicted of an offense and sentenced to life imprisonment after being paroled from a previous life sentence shall not be eligible for parole.

E1. Any person who has been convicted of murder in the first degree, rape in violation of § 18.2-61, forcible sodomy, animate or inanimate object sexual penetration or aggravated sexual battery and who has been sentenced to a term of years shall, upon a first commitment to the Department of Corrections, be eligible for parole after serving two-thirds of the term of imprisonment imposed or after serving fourteen years of the term of imprisonment imposed if two-thirds of the term of imprisonment imposed is more than fourteen years. If such person has been previously committed to the Department of Corrections, such person shall be eligible for parole after serving three-fourths of the term of imprisonment imposed or after serving fifteen years of the terms of imprisonment imposed if three-fourths of the term of imprisonment imposed is more than fifteen years.

F. If the sentence of a person convicted of a felony and sentenced to the Department is partially suspended, he shall be eligible for parole based on the portion of such sentence execution which was not suspended.

G. The eligibility time for parole as specified in subsections A, C and D of this section may be modified as provided in §§ 53.1-191, 53.1-197 and 53.1-198.

H. The time for eligibility for parole as specified in subsection D of this section shall apply only to those criminal acts committed on or after July 1, 1976.

I. The provisions of subdivisions 2, 3 and 4 of subsection A shall apply only to persons committed to the Department of Corrections on or after July 1, 1979, but such persons' convictions and commitments shall include all felony convictions and commitments without regard to the date of such convictions and commitments.

Code 1950, §§ 53-251, 53-272; 1954, c. 141; 1956, c. 342; 1958, cc. 249, 468; 1962, c. 327; 1970, c. 648; 1975, c. 244; 1976, cc. 145, 209, 425; 1977, cc. 344, 546, 570; 1979, c. 411; 1981, c. 392; 1982, cc. 270, 636; 1985, c. 555; 1987, c. 668; 1988, c. 872; 1990, cc. 220, 684; 1991, c. 423; 1993, cc. 485, 491, 907.

Every person who is convicted of a felony and also convicted of a misdemeanor and sentenced and committed for the same under the laws of this Commonwealth or of its political subdivisions shall be eligible for parole on the combination of said sentences in the same manner as provided in § 53.1-151.

Code 1950, § 53-252.1; 1954, c. 597; 1966, c. 638; 1982, c. 636.

Persons convicted of felonies or misdemeanors who are sentenced to jails and not eligible for parole under § 53.1-152, shall be eligible for parole in the same manner as provided in § 53.1-151 when the total sentences to be served, exclusive of fines, are more than twelve months. However, a person convicted of misdemeanors and sentenced to serve a total active sentence of more than 12 months in jail shall not be eligible for parole nor subject to the provisions of § 53.1-159 upon conviction of any offenses committed on or after July 1, 2008.

The Virginia Parole Board shall have the same powers and duties to carry out the provisions of this section as are set forth in § 53.1-136.

Code 1950, § 53-251.2; 1962, c. 326; 1970, c. 648; 1981, c. 392; 1982, c. 636; 1983, c. 509; 2008, c. 846.

The Virginia Parole Board shall by regulation divide each calendar year into such equal parts as it may deem appropriate to the efficient administration of the parole system. Unless there be reasonable cause for extension of the time within which to review and decide a case, the Board shall review and decide the case of each prisoner no later than that part of the calendar year in which he becomes eligible for parole, and at least annually thereafter, until he is released on parole or discharged, except that upon any such review the Board may schedule the next review as much as three years thereafter, provided there are ten years or more or life imprisonment remaining on the sentence in such case. Such reviews shall include a live interview of the prisoner by a Board member or a staff member designated by the Board. Such interviews may be conducted in person or by videoconference or telephone at the discretion of the Board. Absent imminent death of the prisoner or other extraordinary circumstances, which shall be documented by the Board in the prisoner's file, the Board shall not grant parole to any prisoner who has not received a live interview within the prior calendar year. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, in the case of a parole revocation, if such person is otherwise eligible for parole, the Board shall review and decide his case no later than that part of the calendar year one year subsequent to the part of the calendar year in which he was returned to a facility as provided in § 53.1-161. Thereafter, his case shall be reviewed as specified in this section. The Board, in addition, may review the case of any prisoner eligible for parole at any other time and may review the case of any prisoner prior to that part of the year otherwise specified. In the discretion of the Board, interviews may be conducted by the Board or its representatives and may be either public or private.

Code 1950, §§ 53-252, 53-254; 1966, c. 638; 1970, c. 648; 1977, c. 34; 1982, c. 636; 1984, c. 655; 2023, cc. 805, 806.

The Director is authorized to determine those prisoners who may be suitable parole risks and whose interests and those of society will be served by their early parole release and to recommend such prisoners to the Parole Board for early parole consideration. In making such recommendation, the Director shall take into account the prisoner's criminal history record, mental and physical condition, employability, institutional adjustment and such other factors as may be appropriate, including the risk of violence to others. The case of any such prisoner so recommended may be reviewed by the Parole Board prior to such prisoner's date of eligibility for parole. Upon appropriate review the Parole Board may release on parole prior to the date of eligibility for parole any prisoner so recommended by the Director. However, no prisoner shall be released until he has served at least one-fourth of the term of imprisonment imposed, or until he has served twelve years of the term of imprisonment imposed if one-fourth of the term of imprisonment imposed is more than twelve years, except as such time is reduced by any other provision of law.

This section shall have no application to persons not eligible for parole pursuant to subsections B, B1 and E of § 53.1-151.

1983, c. 378; 2020, c. 759.

A. No person shall be released on parole by the Board until a thorough investigation has been made into the prisoner's history, physical and mental condition and character, and his conduct, employment, and attitude while in prison. All information collected through such investigation shall be made available to the prisoner or his attorney, provided that (i) neither the prisoner nor his attorney shall further disclose, reproduce, copy, or disseminate such information in any way and (ii) the Board shall redact all personal information of the victim. The Board shall also determine that his release on parole will not be incompatible with the interests of society or of the prisoner. The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to persons released on parole pursuant to § 53.1-159.

B. An investigation conducted pursuant to this section shall include notification that a victim may submit to the Virginia Parole Board evidence concerning the impact that the release of the prisoner will have on such victim. This notification shall be sent to the last address provided to the Board by any victim of a crime for which the prisoner was incarcerated. If additional victim research is necessary, electronic notification shall be sent to the attorney for the Commonwealth and the director of the victim/witness program, if one exists, of the jurisdiction in which the offense occurred. The Board shall endeavor diligently to contact the victim prior to making any decision to release any inmate on discretionary parole. The victim of a crime for which the prisoner is incarcerated may present to the Board oral, including by virtual means, or written testimony concerning the impact that the release of the prisoner will have on the victim, and the Board shall consider such testimony in its review. Once testimony is submitted by a victim, such testimony shall remain in the prisoner's parole file and shall be considered by the Board at every parole review. The victim of a crime for which the prisoner is incarcerated may submit a request in writing or by electronic means to the Board to be notified of (i) the prisoner's parole eligibility date and mandatory release date as determined by the Department of Corrections, (ii) any parole-related interview dates, and (iii) the Board's decision regarding parole for the prisoner. The victim may request that the Board only notify the victim if, following its review, the Board is inclined to grant parole to the prisoner, in which case the victim shall have 45 days to present written or oral testimony for the Board's consideration. If the victim has requested to be notified only if the Board is inclined to grant parole and no testimony, either written or oral, is received from the victim within at least 45 days of the date of the Board's notification, the Board shall render its decision based on information available to it in accordance with subsection A. The definition of victim in § 19.2-11.01 shall apply to this section.

Although any information presented by the victim of a crime for which the prisoner is incarcerated shall be retained in the prisoner's parole file and considered by the Board, such information shall not infringe on the Board's authority to exercise its decision-making authority.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, if a physical or mental examination of a prisoner eligible for parole has been conducted within the last 12 months, and the prisoner has not required medical or psychiatric treatment within a like period while incarcerated, the prisoner may be released on parole by the Parole Board directly from a local correctional facility.

The Department shall offer each prisoner to be released on parole or under mandatory release who has been sentenced to serve a term of imprisonment of at least three years the opportunity to participate in a transition program within six months of such prisoner's projected or mandatory release date. The program shall include advice for job training opportunities, recommendations for living a law-abiding life, and financial literacy information. The Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security shall prescribe guidelines to govern these programs.

Code 1950, § 53-253; 1970, c. 648; 1982, c. 636; 1987, c. 668; 1992, c. 222; 1995, cc. 687, 778; 2002, c. 569; 2016, c. 208; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 545; 2023, cc. 805, 806.

The Department may give nonviolent prisoners who have not been convicted of a violent crime and who have been sentenced to serve a term of imprisonment of at least three years the opportunity to participate in a residential community program, work release, or a community-based program approved by the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security within six months of such prisoner's projected or mandatory release date. The Secretary shall prescribe guidelines to govern the residential community programs, work release, or community-based programs.

Any wages earned pursuant to this section by a prisoner may be paid to the director or administrator of the program after standard payroll deductions required by law. Distribution of such wages shall be made for the following purposes:

1. To pay an amount to defray the cost of his keep;

2. To pay travel and other such expenses made necessary by his work release, employment, or participation in a residential community program or a community-based program;

3. To provide support and maintenance for his dependents or to make payments to the local department of social services or the Commissioner of Social Services, as appropriate, on behalf of dependents who are receiving public assistance as defined in § 63.2-100; or

4. To pay any fines, restitution, or costs as ordered by the court.

Any balance at the end of his sentence shall be paid to the prisoner upon his release.

2003, c. 850; 2014, cc. 115, 490.

The period of parole which shall be fixed by the Board may be greater than the unserved portion of the sentence actually imposed upon the paroled prisoner by the court or jury which fixed his sentence. It shall not exceed, however, the difference between the time actually served in confinement by the paroled prisoner, without regard to good conduct credit, and the maximum term established by law as punishment for the offense or offenses of which the prisoner was convicted. The time during which a parolee is at large on parole shall not be counted as service of any part of the term of imprisonment for which he was sentenced upon his conviction.

Code 1950, §§ 53-255, 53-256; 1982, c. 636; 1987, c. 668.

Each parolee or felon serving a period of postrelease supervision while on parole or period of postrelease supervision shall comply with such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Board. When any prisoner is released on parole or postrelease period of supervision, the Board shall furnish the parolee and the probation and parole officer having supervision of the parolee or felon serving a period of postrelease supervision a copy of the terms and conditions of the parole or postrelease period of supervision and any changes which may from time to time be made therein.

Code 1950, § 53-257; 1970, c. 648; 1973, c. 253; 1982, c. 636; 2000, c. 767.

The Director of the Department shall release into the custody of the Parole Board, any of its probation and parole officers or the Chairman, any prisoner subject to parole under the laws of this Commonwealth whenever directed so to do by the Parole Board or by the Chairman.

Code 1950, § 53-264; 1970, c. 648; 1973, c. 253; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1982, c. 636.

Every person who is sentenced and committed under the laws of the Commonwealth to the Department of Corrections or as provided for in §§ 19.2-308.1, 53.1-152 or § 53.1-153 shall be released on parole by the Virginia Parole Board six months prior to his date of final release. Each person so sentenced or committed, however, shall serve a minimum of three months of his sentence prior to such a release. Persons who are so released on parole shall be subject to a minimum of six months' supervision and an additional period of parole ending on the date upon which the parolee would have served the maximum term of confinement, or any period the Board otherwise deems appropriate in accordance with § 53.1-156. Such persons shall also be subject, for the entire period of parole fixed by the Board, to such terms and conditions prescribed by the Board in accordance with § 53.1-157.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, if within thirty days of a release scheduled pursuant to this section, new information is presented to the Board which gives the Board reasonable cause to believe that the release poses a clear and present danger to the life or physical safety of any person, the Board may delay the release for up to six months to investigate the matter and to refer it to law-enforcement, mental health or other appropriate authorities for investigation and any other appropriate action by such authorities.

No person released on parole pursuant to § 53.1-136, and whose parole is subsequently revoked, shall be released on parole pursuant to this section until at least six months have elapsed from the date of the decision revoking his parole. No person released on parole pursuant to this section, whose parole is subsequently revoked, shall thereafter be released on parole pursuant to this section. Final discharge may be extended to require the prisoner to serve the full portion of the term imposed by the sentencing court which was unexpired when the prisoner was released on parole.

For purposes of this section, (i) "maximum term of confinement" means the maximum term of incarceration established by law as punishment for the offense, (ii) "mandatory release date" means that date which is six months prior to the scheduled date of release and takes into consideration good conduct credits, and (iii) "final discharge" and "discharge from parole" mean that a prisoner is released from confinement having satisfied the full term imposed by the sentencing court without regard to good conduct credit. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to create a right or entitlement to parole.

Code 1950, § 53-251.3; 1979, c. 415; 1981, cc. 20, 392; 1982, c. 636; 1985, c. 175; 1987, c. 668; 1991, c. 410; 1994, c. 894.

A. Prior to the release or discharge of any prisoner, the Department shall have notice of the release or discharge delivered by first-class mail or by electronic means to the court that committed the person to the Department of Corrections and to the sheriff, chief of police, and attorney for the Commonwealth (i) of the jurisdiction in which the offense occurred, (ii) of the jurisdiction in which the person resided prior to conviction, and (iii), if different from clauses (i) and (ii), of the jurisdiction in which the person intends to reside subsequent to being released or discharged. Such notice shall include, but not be limited to, identification of the specific offense or offenses for which the prisoner had been sentenced, the term or terms of imprisonment imposed, and the date the prisoner was committed to the Department of Corrections.

The Department shall (a) have notice of the release or discharge of any prisoner delivered by first-class mail 15 days prior to any such occurrence, or by telephone if notice by first-class mail cannot be delivered 15 days prior to the occurrence; (b) give notice as soon as practicable following the transfer of any prisoner to a jail facility, a different prison facility, or any other correctional or detention facility by first-class mail or telephone; (c) give notice as soon as practicable by telephone upon the escape of a prisoner; and (d) give notice as soon as practicable by first-class mail upon the change of a prisoner's name, to any victim, as defined in § 19.2-11.01, of the offense for which the prisoner was incarcerated or to any person designated in writing by the victim. Notice shall be given using the address and telephone number provided by the victim. For the purposes of this section, "prisoner" means a person sentenced to serve more than 30 days of incarceration or detention.

B. Fifteen days prior to the release of any prisoner to an authorized work release program or release to attend a business, educational or other related community program, the Department shall give notice to (i) the attorney for the Commonwealth, (ii) the chief law-enforcement officer of the jurisdiction in which the work on release will be performed or attendance at an authorized program will be permitted, and (iii) any victim, as defined in § 19.2-11.01, of the offense for which the prisoner was incarcerated or any person designated in writing by the victim at the address or phone number provided by the victim.

Every notice to the attorney for the Commonwealth or to the chief law-enforcement officer shall include the name, address, and criminal history of the participating prisoner, and other information upon request. The transmission of information shall be confidential and not subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

C. Notification under this section may be provided to a victim as defined in § 19.2-11.01 through the Virginia Statewide VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) System or other similar electronic or automated system.

No civil liability shall attach for the failure to give notice as provided in this section.

Code 1950, § 53-265.1; 1980, c. 515; 1982, c. 636; 1984, c. 155; 1989, cc. 525, 652; 1993, c. 189; 1995, c. 687; 2007, cc. 94, 109; 2013, cc. 162, 209; 2015, c. 101.

A. Prior to the release or discharge of any prisoner for whom registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry is required pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, the Department shall give notice to the prisoner of his duty to register with the State Police. A person required to register shall register, submit to be photographed as part of the registration, and provide information regarding place of employment, if available, to the Department. The Department shall also obtain from that person all necessary registration information, including fingerprints and photographs of a type and kind approved by the Department of State Police, inform the person of his duties regarding reregistration and change of address, and inform the person of his duty to register. The Department shall forward the registration information to the Department of State Police on the date of the prisoner's release or discharge.

B. Whenever a person required to register has failed to comply with the provisions of subsection A, the Department shall promptly investigate or request the State Police promptly investigate and, if there is probable cause to believe a violation has occurred, obtain a warrant or assist in obtaining an indictment charging a violation of § 18.2-472.1 in the jurisdiction in which the person was released or discharged. The Department shall notify the State Police forthwith of such actions taken pursuant to this section.

C. The Department shall notify the State Police immediately upon discovering the escape of any prisoner for whom registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry is required pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1.

1994, c. 362; 1997, c. 747; 2003, c. 584; 2006, cc. 857, 914; 2010, c. 858.

A. The Chairman or any member of the Board may at any time upon information or a showing of a violation or a probable violation by any parolee of any of the terms or conditions upon which he was released on parole issue, or cause to be issued, a warrant for the arrest and return of the parolee to the institution from which he was paroled, or to any other correctional facility that may be designated by the Chairman or member. However, a determination of whether a parolee returned to a correctional facility pursuant to this subsection shall be returned to a state or local correctional facility shall be made based on the length of the parolee's original sentence as set forth in § 53.1-20. Each such warrant shall authorize all officers named therein to arrest and return the parolee to actual custody in the facility from which he was paroled, or to any other facility designated by the Chairman or member.

In any case in which the parolee is charged with the violation of any law, the violation of which caused the issuance of such warrant, upon request of the parolee or his attorney, the Chairman or member shall as soon as practicable consider all the circumstances surrounding the allegations of such violation, including the probability of conviction thereof, and may, after such consideration, release the parolee, pending adjudication of the violation charged.

B. Upon information or a showing of a violation or a probable violation by any felon serving a period of postrelease supervision of any of the terms or conditions upon which he was released on a postrelease period of supervision, the circuit court of the sentencing jurisdiction may issue, or cause to be issued, a warrant for the arrest and return of the felon serving a period of postrelease supervision to the institution from which he was released, or to any other correctional facility that may be designated by the circuit court. However, a determination of whether a felon serving a period of postrelease supervision returned to a correctional facility pursuant to this subsection shall be returned to a state or local correctional facility shall be made based on the length of the period of postrelease supervision as set at sentencing. Each such warrant shall authorize all officers named therein to arrest and return the felon to actual custody in the facility from which he was released, or to any other facility designated by the circuit court.

In any case in which the felon serving a period of postrelease supervision is charged with the violation of any law, the violation of which caused the issuance of such warrant, upon request of the felon or his attorney, the circuit court of the sentencing jurisdiction shall as soon as practicable consider all the circumstances surrounding the allegations of such violation, including the probability of conviction thereof, and may, after such consideration, release the felon, pending adjudication of the violation charged.

Code 1950, § 53-258; 1970, c. 648; 1973, c. 253; 1976, c. 45; 1978, c. 227; 1982, c. 636; 1990, cc. 676, 768; 2000, c. 767; 2023, c. 618.

Any probation and parole officer may arrest a parolee or felon serving a period of postrelease supervision without a warrant or may deputize any other officer with power of arrest to do so by a written statement setting forth that the parolee or felon serving a period of postrelease supervision has, in the judgment of the probation and parole officer, violated one or more of the terms or conditions of his parole or postrelease period of supervision. Such a written statement by a probation and parole officer delivered to the officer in charge of any state or local correctional facility shall be sufficient warrant for the detention of the parolee or felon serving a period of postrelease supervision. Any officer deputized upon receipt of the written statement shall, in accordance with § 19.2-390, enter, or cause to be entered, the person's name and other appropriate information required by the Department of State Police into the "information systems" known as the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), established and maintained by the Department pursuant to Chapter 2 (§ 52-12 et seq.) of Title 52. Such information shall be deemed a warrant authorizing the arrest of the person anywhere in the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 53-259; 1982, c. 636; 2000, c. 767; 2010, c. 273.

Any parolee for whose arrest a warrant has been issued by the Board or by the Chairman shall after the issuance of the warrant be treated as an escaped prisoner. The time from the issuing of such warrant to the date of his arrest shall not be counted as any part of the time to be served under his sentence.

Code 1950, § 53-260; 1970, c. 648; 1973, c. 253; 1982, c. 636.

When any parolee or felon serving a period of postrelease supervision is returned to any facility in accordance with the provisions of § 53.1-161, he shall be held in accordance with rules of the Director and subject to further action of the Parole Board. The officer in charge of the facility shall see that the Parole Board is notified promptly of each such parolee's or felon's return.

Code 1950, § 53-261; 1970, c. 648; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1982, c. 636; 2000, c. 767; 2020, c. 759.

A. Whenever any parolee or felon serving a period of postrelease supervision is arrested and recommitted as provided herein, a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause that such parolee has violated one or more of the terms or conditions upon which he was released on parole or postrelease period of supervision shall be held by any hearing officer who has been designated as such by the Director of the Department to conduct such hearings. However, if a nolle prosequi is to be entered in a case where a parole violation is alleged, no preliminary hearing shall be required.

Upon request of the hearing officer, the attorney for the Commonwealth of the jurisdiction within which such hearings are to be held shall request the circuit court of such jurisdiction to appoint one or more discreet attorneys-at-law to represent parolees in any proceedings held before him. Each attorney so appointed shall be available to serve upon request of the hearing officer. The term of each attorney's appointment shall continue until such time as a successor may be appointed. A hearing officer shall be authorized to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of records, memoranda, papers and other documents before him and to administer oaths and to take testimony thereunder.

Upon a finding of probable cause by the hearing officer, the Board or its authorized representative shall conduct a hearing, consider the case and act with reference thereto within a reasonable time thereafter. Upon request of the Board, the attorney for the Commonwealth of the jurisdiction within which such hearings are to be held shall request the circuit court of that jurisdiction to appoint one or more discreet attorneys-at-law to represent parolees in proceedings held or to be held before the Board. Each attorney shall be available to serve upon request of the Board. The term of each attorney's appointment shall continue until such time as a successor may be appointed. The Board, in its discretion, may revoke the parole and order the reincarceration of the prisoner for the unserved portion of the term of imprisonment originally imposed upon him, or it may reinstate the parole either upon such terms and conditions as were originally prescribed, or as may be prescribed in addition thereto or in lieu thereof. When a parole violation is based on a new felony conviction for which the individual has been sentenced to two or more years, excluding any time of said sentence which has been suspended, any individual Board member, so authorized by the Board, may after such hearing revoke the individual's parole as otherwise provided herein.

Upon revocation of parole for any felony offense, the Board or its authorized representative shall order that the Department of Corrections take fingerprints and a photograph of the person for each offense and transmit such information to the Central Criminal Records Exchange pursuant to subsection D of § 19.2-390.

B. In cases in which a parolee or felon serving a period of postrelease supervision is in another state, any hearing officer who has been designated as such by the Director of the Department may be sent to that state to conduct a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause that the parolee has violated one or more of the terms and conditions upon which he was released upon parole.

C. Any attorney-at-law appointed pursuant to this section shall be paid as directed by the court making the appointment, from funds appropriated for court costs and expenses, reasonable compensation on an hourly basis and necessary expenses, based upon a report to be furnished to it by such attorney. In the event an attorney-at-law is appointed in another state, he shall be paid out of funds appropriated to the Department.

Code 1950, § 53-262; 1970, c. 648; 1975, c. 292; 1979, cc. 700, 703; 1982, c. 636; 1985, c. 174; 1986, c. 433; 2000, c. 767; 2019, cc. 782, 783.

A. The provisions of this article, except §§ 53.1-160 and 53.1-160.1, shall not apply to any sentence imposed or to any prisoner incarcerated upon a conviction for a felony offense committed on or after January 1, 1995. Any person sentenced to a term of incarceration for a felony offense committed on or after January 1, 1995, shall not be eligible for parole upon that offense.

B. The provisions of this article shall apply to any person who was sentenced by a jury prior to June 9, 2000, for any felony offense committed on or after January 1, 1995, and who remained incarcerated for such offense on July 1, 2020, other than (i) a Class 1 felony or (ii) any of the following felony offenses where the victim was a minor: (a) rape in violation of § 18.2-61; (b) forcible sodomy in violation of § 18.2-67.1; (c) object sexual penetration in violation of § 18.2-67.2; (d) aggravated sexual battery in violation of § 18.2-67.3; (e) an attempt to commit a violation of clause (a), (b), (c), or (d); or (f) carnal knowledge in violation of § 18.2-63, 18.2-64.1, or 18.2-64.2.

C. The Parole Board shall establish procedures for consideration of parole of persons entitled under subsection B consistent with the provisions of § 53.1-154.

D. Any person who meets eligibility criteria for parole under subsection B and pursuant to § 53.1-151 as of July 1, 2020, shall be scheduled for a parole interview no later than July 1, 2021, allowing for extension of time for reasonable cause.

E. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A or any other provision of this article to the contrary, any person sentenced to a term of life imprisonment for a single felony or multiple felonies committed while the person was a juvenile and who has served at least 20 years of such sentence shall be eligible for parole and any person who has active sentences that total more than 20 years for a single felony or multiple felonies committed while the person was a juvenile and who has served at least 20 years of such sentences shall be eligible for parole. The Board shall review and decide the case of each prisoner who is eligible for parole in accordance with § 53.1-154 and rules adopted pursuant to subdivision 2 of § 53.1-136.

1994, 2nd Sp. Sess., cc. 1, 2; 2020, cc. 2, 529, 1200, 1272.

The Governor is authorized and directed to execute a compact governing the out-of-state supervision of parolees on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia with any state or states of the United States legally joining therein.

Code 1950, § 53-288; 1982, c. 636.

The form of the compact shall be substantially as follows:

A compact entered into by and among the contracting states, signatures hereto, with the consent of the Congress of the United States of America, granted by an act entitled "an act granting the consent of Congress to any two or more states to enter into agreements or compacts for cooperative effort and mutual assistance in the prevention of crime and for other purposes."

The contracting states solemnly agree:

1. That it shall be competent for the duly constituted judicial and administrative authorities of a state party to this compact (herein called "sending state"), to permit any person convicted of an offense within such state and placed on probation or released on parole to reside in any other state party to this compact (herein called "receiving state"), while on probation or parole, if:

a. Such person is in fact a resident of or has his family residing within the receiving state and can obtain employment there;

b. Though not a resident of the receiving state and not having his family residing there, the receiving state consents to such person being sent there.

Before granting such permission, opportunity shall be granted to the receiving state to investigate the home and prospective employment of such person.

A resident of the receiving state, within the meaning of this compact, is one who has been an actual inhabitant of such state continuously for more than one year prior to his coming to the sending state and has not resided within the sending state more than six continuous months immediately preceding the commission of the offense for which he has been convicted.

2. That each receiving state will assume the duties of visitation of and supervision over probationers or parolees of any sending state and in the exercise of those duties will be governed by the same standards that prevail for its own probationers and parolees.

3. That duly accredited officers of a sending state may at all times enter a receiving state and there apprehend and retake any person on probation or parole. For that purpose no formalities will be required other than establishing the authority of the officer and the identity of the person to be retaken. All legal requirements to obtain extradition of fugitives from justice are hereby expressly waived on the part of states party hereto, as to such persons. The decision of the sending state to retake a person on probation or parole shall be conclusive upon and not reviewable within the receiving state; provided, however, that if at the time when a state seeks to retake a probationer or parolee there should be pending against him within the receiving state any criminal charge, or he should be suspected of having committed within such state a criminal offense, he shall not be retaken without the consent of the receiving state until discharged from prosecution or from imprisonment for such offense.

4. That the duly accredited officers of the sending state will be permitted to transport prisoners being retaken through any and all states parties to this compact, without interference.

5. That the Governor of each state may designate an officer who, acting jointly with like officers of other contracting states, if and when appointed, shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to more effectively carry out the terms of this compact.

6. That this compact shall become operative immediately upon its execution by any state as between it and any other state or states so executing. When executed it shall have the full force and effect of law within such state, the form of execution to be in accordance with the laws of the executing state.

7. That this compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each executing state until renounced by it. The duties and obligations hereunder of a renouncing state shall continue as to parolees or probationers residing therein at the time of withdrawal until retaken or finally discharged by the sending state. Renunciation of this compact shall be by the same authority which executed it, by sending six months' notice in writing of its intention to withdraw from the compact to the other states party hereto.

Code 1950, § 53-289; 1982, c. 636.

When supervision of a parolee or probationer is being administered by this Commonwealth pursuant to Article 4 (§ 53.1-166 et seq.) of this chapter and such parolee or probationer is arrested pursuant to the provisions of § 53.1-162 or upon a warrant issued by the state where he was paroled or placed on probation and charged with violation of the terms or conditions of parole or probation, a preliminary hearing at or near the site of the alleged violation may be held in accordance with this article. The purpose of such hearing shall be to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that the parolee or probationer has committed a violation of a condition of parole or probation.

Code 1950, § 53-290.1; 1975, c. 39; 1977, c. 106; 1978, c. 341; 1982, c. 636.

A. Any hearing held pursuant to this article may be before the person or persons designated by the compact administrator of this Commonwealth or his designee to hold preliminary hearings involving alleged parole or probation violations. No hearing officer, however, shall be the person or the direct supervisor of the person making the allegation of violation.

B. The compact administrator of this Commonwealth or his designee shall establish a procedure for the administrative hearings held pursuant to this article.

Code 1950, § 53-290.2; 1975, c. 39; 1977, c. 106; 1982, c. 636.

With respect to any hearing held pursuant to this article, the parolee or probationer:

1. Shall have reasonable notice in writing of the nature and content of the allegations made, including notice that its purpose is to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that he has committed a violation of a condition of parole or probation;

2. Shall be permitted to consult with any persons whose assistance he reasonably desires, prior to the hearing;

3. Shall have the right to confront and examine any person who has made allegations or given evidence against him, unless the hearing officer determines that such confrontation would present a substantial present or subsequent danger of harm to such person;

4. May admit, deny or explain the violation alleged and may present proof, including affidavits and other evidence, in support of his contentions.

Code 1950, § 53-290.3; 1975, c. 39; 1982, c. 636.

A record of the hearing held pursuant to this article shall be made and preserved.

Code 1950, § 53-290.4; 1975, c. 39; 1982, c. 636.

In any case of alleged parole, postrelease period of supervision, or probation violation by a person being supervised in another state pursuant to the Interstate Compact for the Supervision of Adult Offenders, any appropriate judicial or administrative authority in another state, upon request by the compact administrator of this Commonwealth or his designee, is authorized to hold a hearing on the alleged violation, which hearing shall be substantially similar to the hearing required by this article. Upon receipt of the record of a parole, postrelease period of supervision, or probation violation hearing held in another state pursuant to a statute substantially similar to this article, such record shall be conclusive and shall not be reviewable within or by this Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 53-290.5; 1975, c. 39; 1977, c. 106; 1982, c. 636; 2000, c. 767; 2004, c. 407.

In any case in which any person released on parole from another state is present in Virginia, if such person is not present in Virginia pursuant to the provisions of Article 4 (§ 53.1-166 et seq.), upon request by the duly constituted judicial or administrative authorities of such other state, the compact administrator of Virginia or his designee shall cause to be conducted a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause for violation of conditions of parole. Such preliminary hearing shall be substantially similar to the hearing provided for in §§ 53.1-168 through 53.1-172.

Code 1950, § 53-290.7; 1975, c. 39; 1977, c. 106; 1982, c. 636.

In any case in which any person placed on parole or postrelease period of supervision by Virginia is present in another state, if such person is not present in such other state pursuant to the provisions of Article 6 (§ 53.1-176.1 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of this title, upon request by the compact administrator of Virginia or his designee, the appropriate judicial or administrative authorities of such other state in which such person is present, having jurisdiction to conduct preliminary hearings to determine probable cause for violation of conditions of parole or postrelease period of supervision, shall cause to be conducted a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause for violation of conditions of parole. Such preliminary hearing shall be substantially similar to the hearing provided for in §§ 53.1-168 through 53.1-172. A decision thereon shall be conclusive and shall not be reviewable within or by Virginia.

Code 1950, § 53-290.8; 1975, c. 39; 1977, c. 106; 1982, c. 636; 2000, c. 767; 2004, c. 407.

If probable cause be found that a parolee present in Virginia has violated one or more of the terms and conditions of parole, upon request from the appropriate judicial or administrative authorities of the state from which he was paroled, the Virginia Parole Board is hereby authorized to determine whether there has been a violation of the terms and conditions of parole, and if so, whether such parole should be revoked. The decision thereon of Virginia shall be conclusive and shall not be reviewable within or by such other state.

Code 1950, § 53-290.9; 1975, c. 39; 1977, c. 106; 1982, c. 636.

If probable cause be found that a parolee from Virginia has violated one or more of the terms and conditions of his parole, upon request by the Virginia Parole Board, the appropriate judicial or administrative authority of another state in which a parolee is present having the authority to revoke a parole is hereby authorized to determine whether there has been a violation of the terms and conditions of parole and, if so, whether such parole should be revoked. The decision thereon of such authorities of such other state shall be conclusive and shall not be reviewable within or by Virginia.

Code 1950, § 53-290.10; 1975, c. 39; 1977, c. 106; 1982, c. 636.

WHEREAS, the Interstate Compact for the Supervision of Parolees and Probationers was established in 1937 and is the earliest corrections "compact" established among the states and has not been amended since its adoption more than 65 years ago; and

WHEREAS, that Compact is the only vehicle for the controlled movement of adult parolees and probationers across state lines, and it currently has jurisdiction over more than a quarter of a million offenders; and

WHEREAS, the complexities of that Compact have become more difficult to administer, and many jurisdictions have expanded supervision expectations to include currently unregulated practices such as victim input, victim notification requirements and sex offender registration; and

WHEREAS, after hearings, national surveys, and a detailed study by a task force appointed by the National Institute of Corrections, the overwhelming recommendation has been to amend the document to bring about an effective management capacity that addresses public safety concerns and offender accountability; and

WHEREAS, upon the adoption of this Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision, it is the intention of the General Assembly to repeal the previous interstate compact for the supervision of parolees and probationers on the effective date of this Compact; now, therefore,

The General Assembly enacts the Interstate Compact for the Supervision of Adult Offenders as set out in § 53.1-176.2.

2004, c. 407.

This article may be cited as "The Interstate Compact for the Supervision of Adult Offenders." The Governor shall execute, on behalf of the Commonwealth, with any other state or states legally joining therein a compact that shall be in form substantially as follows:

ARTICLE I.

PURPOSE.

The Compacting States to this Interstate Compact recognize that each state is responsible for the supervision of adult offenders in the community who are authorized pursuant to the Bylaws and Rules of this compact to travel across state lines both to and from each Compacting State in such a manner as to track the location of offenders, transfer supervision authority in an orderly and efficient manner, and when necessary return offenders to the originating jurisdictions. The Compacting States also recognize that Congress, by enacting the Crime Control Act, 4 U.S.C. § 112 (1965), has authorized and encouraged compacts for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in the prevention of crime.

It is the purpose of this Compact and the Interstate Commission created hereunder, through means of joint and cooperative action among the Compacting States: to provide the framework for the promotion of public safety and protect the rights of victims through the control and regulation of the interstate movement of offenders in the community; to provide for the effective tracking, supervision, and rehabilitation of these offenders by the sending and receiving states; and to equitably distribute the costs, benefits and obligations of the Compact among the Compacting States. In addition, this Compact will: create an Interstate Commission, which will establish uniform procedures to manage the movement between states of adults placed under community supervision and released to the community under the jurisdiction of courts, paroling authorities, corrections or other criminal justice agencies and which will promulgate rules to achieve the purpose of this Compact; ensure an opportunity for input and timely notice to victims and to jurisdictions where defined offenders are authorized to travel or to relocate across state lines; establish a system of uniform data collection, access to information on active cases by authorized criminal justice officials, and regular reporting of Compact activities to heads of State Councils, state executive, judicial, and legislative branches and criminal justice administrators; monitor compliance with rules governing interstate movement of offenders and initiate interventions to address and correct noncompliance; and coordinate training and education regarding regulations of interstate movement of offenders for officials involved in such activity.

The Compacting States recognize that there is no "right" of any offender to live in another state and that duly accredited officers of a sending state may at all times enter a receiving state and there apprehend and retake any offender under supervision subject to the provisions of this Compact and the Bylaws and Rules promulgated hereunder. It is the policy of the Compacting States that the activities conducted by the Interstate Commission created herein are the formation of public policies and are therefore public business.

ARTICLE II.

DEFINITIONS.

As used in this Compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction:

1. "Adult" means both individuals legally classified as adults and juveniles treated as adults by court order, statute, or operation of law.

2. "Bylaws" means those bylaws established by the Interstate Commission for its governance, or for directing or controlling the Interstate Commission's actions or conduct.

3. "Compact Administrator" means the individual in each compacting state appointed pursuant to the terms of this Compact responsible for the administration and management of the state's supervision and transfer of offenders subject to the terms of this Compact, the rules adopted by the Interstate Commission and policies adopted by the State Council under this Compact.

4. "Compacting State" means any state that has enacted the enabling legislation for this Compact.

5. "Commissioner" means the voting representative of each Compacting State appointed pursuant to Article III of this Compact.

6. "Interstate Commission" means the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision established by this Compact.

7. "Member" means the Commissioner of a Compacting State or designee, who shall be a person officially connected with the Commissioner.

8. "Noncompacting State" means any State that has not enacted the enabling legislation for this Compact.

9. "Offender" means an adult placed under, or subject to, supervision as the result of the commission of a criminal offense and released to the community under the jurisdiction of courts, paroling authorities, corrections, or other criminal justice agencies.

10. "Person" means any individual, corporation, business enterprise, or other legal entity, either public or private.

11. "Rules" means acts of the Interstate Commission, duly promulgated pursuant to Article VIII of this Compact, substantially affecting interested parties in addition to the Interstate Commission, which shall have the force and effect of law in the Compacting States.

12. "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia and any other territorial possessions of the United States.

13. "State Council" means the resident members of the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision created by each State under Article III of this Compact.

ARTICLE III.

THE COMPACT COMMISSION.

The Compacting States hereby create the "Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision." The Interstate Commission shall be a body corporate and joint agency of the Compacting States. The Interstate Commission shall have all the responsibilities, powers and duties set forth herein, including the power to sue and be sued, and such additional powers as may be conferred upon it by subsequent action of the respective legislatures of the Compacting States in accordance with the terms of this Compact.

The Interstate Commission shall consist of Commissioners selected and appointed by resident members of a State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision for each State. In addition to the Commissioners who are the voting representatives of each State, the Interstate Commission shall include individuals who are not Commissioners but who are members of interested organizations. Such noncommissioner members must include a member of the national organizations of governors, legislators, state chief justices, attorneys general and crime victims. All noncommissioner members of the Interstate Commission shall be ex officio (nonvoting) members. The Interstate Commission may provide in its Bylaws for such additional, ex officio, nonvoting members as it deems necessary.

Each Compacting State represented at any meeting of the Interstate Commission is entitled to one vote. A majority of the Compacting States shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the Bylaws of the Interstate Commission. The Interstate Commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of 27 or more Compacting States, shall call additional meetings. Public notice shall be given of all meetings, and meetings shall be open to the public.

The Interstate Commission shall establish an Executive Committee, which shall include commission officers, members and others as shall be determined by the Bylaws. The Executive Committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission during periods when the Interstate Commission is not in session, with the exception of rulemaking or amendment to the Compact or both. The Executive Committee oversees the day-to-day activities managed by the Executive Director and Interstate Commission staff; administers enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the Compact, its Bylaws and as directed by the Interstate Commission and performs other duties as directed by Commission or set forth in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE IV.

THE STATE COUNCIL.

Each member state shall create a State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision, which shall be responsible for the appointment of the Commissioner who shall serve on the Interstate Commission from that state. Each State Council shall appoint as its Commissioner the Compact Administrator from that state to serve on the Interstate Commission in such capacity under or pursuant to applicable law of the member state. While each member state may determine the membership of its own State Council, its membership must include at least one representative from the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government, victims' groups and compact administrators. Each Compacting State retains the right to determine the qualifications of the Compact Administrator who shall be appointed by the State Council or by the Governor in consultation with the Legislature and the Judiciary. In addition to appointment of its Commissioner to the national Interstate Commission, each State Council shall exercise oversight and advocacy concerning its participation in Interstate Commission activities and other duties as may be determined by each member state including but not limited to, development of policy concerning operations and procedures of the Compact within that state.

ARTICLE V.

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.

The Interstate Commission shall have the following powers:

1. To adopt the seal and suitable Bylaws governing the management and operation of the Interstate Commission.

2. To promulgate Rules, which shall have the force and effect of statutory law and shall be binding in the Compacting States to the extent and in the manner provided in this Compact.

3. To oversee, supervise and coordinate the interstate movement of offenders subject to the terms of this Compact and any Bylaws adopted and Rules promulgated by the Compact Commission.

4. To enforce compliance with Compact provisions, Interstate Commission Rules, and Bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including but not limited to, the use of judicial process.

5. To establish and maintain offices.

6. To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds.

7. To borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, members and their staffs.

8. To establish and appoint committees and hire staff that it deems necessary for the carrying out of its functions including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by Article III, which shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission in carrying out its powers and duties hereunder.

9. To elect or appoint such officers, attorneys, employees, agents, consultants, and to fix their compensation, define their duties and determine their qualifications; and to establish the Interstate Commission's personnel policies and programs relating to, among other things, conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, and qualifications of personnel.

10. To accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of same.

11. To lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use any property, real, personal, or mixed.

12. To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal, or mixed.

13. To establish a budget and make expenditures and levy dues as provided in Article X of this Compact.

14. To sue and be sued.

15. To provide for dispute resolution among Compacting States.

16. To perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Compact.

17. To report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary, and State Councils of the Compacting States concerning the activities of the Interstate Commission during the preceding year. Such reports shall also include any recommendations that may have been adopted by the Interstate Commission.

18. To coordinate education, training and public awareness regarding the interstate movement of offenders for officials involved in such activity.

19. To establish uniform standards for the reporting, collecting, and exchanging of data.

ARTICLE VI.

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.

Section A. Bylaws.

The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members, within 12 months of the first Interstate Commission meeting, adopt Bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Compact, including, but not limited to:

1. Establishing the fiscal year of the Interstate Commission;

2. Establishing an executive committee and such other committees as may be necessary;

3. Providing reasonable standards and procedures: (i) for the establishment of committees and (ii) governing any general or specific delegation of any authority or function of the Interstate Commission;

4. Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the Interstate Commission, and ensuring reasonable notice of each such meeting;

5. Establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers of the Interstate Commission;

6. Providing reasonable standards and procedures for the establishment of the personnel policies and programs of the Interstate Commission. Notwithstanding any civil service or other similar laws of any Compacting State, the Bylaws shall exclusively govern the personnel policies and programs of the Interstate Commission;

7. Providing a mechanism for winding up the operations of the Interstate Commission and the equitable return of any surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of the Compact after the payment or reserving of all of its debts and obligations or both;

8. Providing transition rules for "start up" administration of the Compact; and

9. Establishing standards and procedures for compliance and technical assistance in carrying out the Compact.

Section B. Officers and Staff.

The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the Members, elect from among its Members a chairperson and a vice chairperson, each of whom shall have such authorities and duties as may be specified in the Bylaws. The chairperson or, in his absence or disability, the vice chairperson, shall preside at all meetings of the Interstate Commission. The officers so elected shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the Interstate Commission: provided that, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be reimbursed for any actual and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as officers of the Interstate Commission.

The Interstate Commission shall, through its executive committee, appoint or retain an executive director for such period, upon such terms and conditions and for such compensation as the Interstate Commission may deem appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the Interstate Commission, and hire and supervise such other staff as may be authorized by the Interstate Commission, but shall not be a member.

Section C. Corporate Records of the Interstate Commission.

The Interstate Commission shall maintain its corporate books and records in accordance with the Bylaws.

Section D. Qualified Immunity, Defense and Indemnification.

The Members, officers, executive director and employees of the Interstate Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; provided, that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit and/or liability for any damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of any such person. The Interstate Commission shall defend the Commissioner of a Compacting State, or his representatives or employees, or the Interstate Commission's representatives or employees, in any civil action seeking to impose liability, arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; provided, that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from intentional wrongdoing on the part of such person.

The Interstate Commission shall indemnify and hold the Commissioner of a Compacting State, the appointed designee or employees, or the Interstate Commission's representatives or employees, harmless in the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against such persons arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that such persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; provided, that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing on the part of such person.

ARTICLE VII.

ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.

The Interstate Commission shall meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this Compact. Except as otherwise provided in this Compact and unless a greater percentage is required by the Bylaws, in order to constitute an act of the Interstate Commission, such act shall have been taken at a meeting of the Interstate Commission and shall have received an affirmative vote of a majority of the Members present.

Each Member of the Interstate Commission shall have the right and power to cast a vote to which that Compacting State is entitled and to participate in the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission. A Member shall vote in person on behalf of the State and shall not delegate a vote to another member State. However, a State Council shall appoint another authorized representative, in the absence of the Commissioner from that State, to case a vote on behalf of the member State at a specified meeting. The Bylaws may provide for Members' participation in meetings by telephone or other means of telecommunication or electronic communication. Any voting conducted by telephone, or other means of telecommunication or electronic communication shall be subject to the same quorum requirements of meetings where Members are present in person.

The Interstate Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. The chairperson of the Interstate Commission may call additional meetings at any time and, upon the request of a majority of the Members, shall call additional meetings.

The Interstate Commission's Bylaws shall establish conditions and procedures under which the Interstate Commission shall make its information and official records available to the public for inspection or copying. The Interstate Commission may exempt from disclosure any information or official records to the extent they would adversely affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests. In promulgating such Rules, the Interstate Commission may make available to law enforcement agencies records and information otherwise exempt from disclosure, and may enter into agreements with law-enforcement agencies to receive or exchange information or records subject to nondisclosure and confidentiality provisions.

Public notice shall be given of all meetings, and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as set forth in the Rules or as otherwise provided in the Compact. The Interstate Commission shall promulgate Rules consistent with the principles contained in the "Government in Sunshine Act," 5 U.S.C. § 552b, as may be amended. The Interstate Commission and any of its committees may close a meeting to the public where it determines by two-thirds vote that an open meeting would be likely to:

1. Relate solely to the Interstate Commission's internal personnel practices and procedures;

2. Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute;

3. Disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;

4. Involve accusing any person of a crime, or formally censuring any person;

5. Disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

6. Disclose investigatory records compiled for law-enforcement purposes;

7. Disclose information contained in or related to examination, operating or condition reports prepared by, or on behalf of or for the use of, the Interstate Commission with respect to a regulated entity for the purpose of regulation or supervision of such entity;

8. Disclose information, the premature disclosure of which would significantly endanger the life of a person or the stability of a regulated entity; and

9. Specifically relate to the Interstate Commission's issuance of a subpoena, or its participation in a civil action or proceeding.

For every meeting closed pursuant to this provision, the Interstate Commission's chief legal officer shall publicly certify that, in his opinion, the meeting may be closed to the public, and shall reference each relevant exemptive provision. The Interstate Commission shall keep minutes that shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in any meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of any actions taken, and the reasons therefor, including a description of each of the views expressed on any item and the record of any roll call vote (reflected in the vote of each Member on the question). All documents considered in connection with any action shall be identified in such minutes.

The Interstate Commission shall collect standardized data concerning the interstate movement of offenders as directed through its Bylaws and Rules, which shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection and data exchange and reporting requirements.

ARTICLE VIII.

RULEMAKING FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.

The Interstate Commission shall promulgate Rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of the Compact including transition rules governing administration of the Compact during the period in which it is being considered and enacted by the States.

Rulemaking shall occur pursuant to the criteria set forth in this article and the Bylaws and Rules adopted pursuant thereto. Such rulemaking shall substantially conform to the principles of the federal Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C.S. § 551 et seq., and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C.S. app. 2, § 1 et seq., as may be amended (hereinafter APA). All Rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each Rule or amendment.

If a majority of the legislatures of the Compacting States rejects a Rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the Compact, then such Rule shall have no further force and effect in any Compacting State.

When promulgating a Rule, the Interstate Commission shall:

1. Publish the proposed Rule stating with particularity the text of the Rule that is proposed and the reason for the proposed Rule;

2. Allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions and arguments, which information shall be publicly available;

3. Provide an opportunity for an informal hearing; and

4. Promulgate a final Rule and its effective date, if appropriate, based on the rulemaking record.

Not later than 60 days after a Rule is promulgated, any interested person may file a petition in the United States District Court of the District of Columbia or in the Federal District Court where the Interstate Commission's principal office is located for judicial review of such Rule. If the court finds that the Interstate Commission's action is not supported by substantial evidence, as defined in the APA, in the rulemaking record, the court shall hold the Rule unlawful and set it aside.

Subjects to be addressed within 12 months after the first meeting must at a minimum include:

1. Notice to victims and opportunity to be heard;

2. Offender registration and compliance;

3. Violations/returns;

4. Transfer procedures and forms;

5. Eligibility for transfer;

6. Collection of restitution and fees from offenders;

7. Data collection and reporting;

8. The level of supervision to be provided by the receiving state;

9. Transition rules governing the operation of the Compact and the Interstate Commission during all or part of the period between the effective date of the Compact and the date on which the last eligible State adopts the Compact; and

10. Mediation, arbitration and dispute resolution.

The existing rules governing the operation of the previous compact superceded by this Act shall be null and void 12 months after the first meeting of the Interstate Commission created hereunder.

Upon determination by the Interstate Commission that an emergency exists, it may promulgate an emergency rule which shall become effective immediately upon adoption, provided that the usual rulemaking procedures provided hereunder shall be retroactively applied to said rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than 90 days after the effective date of the rule.

ARTICLE IX.

OVERSIGHT, ENFORCEMENT, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION BY THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.

Section A. Oversight.

The Interstate Commission shall oversee the interstate movement of adult offenders in the Compacting States and shall monitor such activities being administered in Noncompacting States that may significantly affect Compacting States.

The courts and executive agencies in each Compacting State shall enforce this Compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the Compact's purposes and intent. In any judicial or administrative proceeding in a Compacting State pertaining to the subject matter of this Compact, which may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of the Interstate Commission, the Interstate Commission shall be entitled to receive all service of process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes.

Section B. Dispute Resolution.

The Compacting States shall report to the Interstate Commission on issues or activities of concern to them, and cooperate with and support the Interstate Commission in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities.

The Interstate Commission shall attempt to resolve any disputes or other issues that are subject to the Compact and may arise among Compacting States and Noncompacting States.

The Interstate Commission shall enact a Bylaw or promulgate a Rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes among the Compacting States.

Section C. Enforcement.

The Interstate Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions of this Compact using any or all means set forth in Article XII, Section B, of this Compact.

ARTICLE X.

FINANCE.

The Interstate Commission shall pay or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization and ongoing activities.

The Interstate Commission shall levy on and collect an annual assessment from each Compacting State to cover the cost of the internal operations and activities of the Interstate Commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover the Interstate Commission's annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Interstate Commission, taking into consideration the population of the State and the volume of interstate movement of offenders in each Compacting State and shall promulgate a Rule binding upon all Compacting States, which governs said assessment.

The Interstate Commission shall not incur any obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Interstate Commission pledge the credit of any of the Compacting States, except by and with the authority of the Compacting State.

The Interstate Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Interstate Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its Bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Interstate Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Interstate Commission.

ARTICLE XI.

COMPACTING STATES, EFFECTIVE DATE AND AMENDMENT.

Any State, as defined in Article II of this Compact, is eligible to become a Compacting State. The Compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the Compact into law by no less than 35 of the States. The initial effective date shall be the later of July 1, 2002, or upon enactment into law by the 35th State. Thereafter it shall become effective and binding, as to any other Compacting State, upon enactment of the Compact into law by that State. The governors of nonmember States or their designees will be invited to participate in Interstate Commission activities on a nonvoting basis prior to adoption of the Compact by all States and territories of the United States.

Amendments to the Compact may be proposed by the Interstate Commission for enactment by the Compacting States. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the Interstate Commission and the Compacting States unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the Compacting States.

ARTICLE XII.

WITHDRAWAL, DEFAULT, TERMINATION, AND JUDICIAL ENFORCEMENT.

Section A. Withdrawal.

Once effective, the Compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and every Compacting State; provided, that a Compacting State may withdraw from the Compact (hereinafter Withdrawing State) by enacting a statute specifically repealing the statute that enacted the Compact into law.

The effective date of withdrawal is the effective date of the repeal.

The Withdrawing State shall immediately notify the chairperson of the Interstate Commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this Compact in the Withdrawing State. The Interstate Commission shall notify the other Compacting States of the Withdrawing State's intent to withdraw within 60 days of its receipt thereof.

The Withdrawing State is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including any obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal.

Reinstatement following withdrawal of any Compacting State shall occur upon the Withdrawing State reenacting the Compact or upon such later date as determined by the Interstate Commission.

Section B. Default.

If the Interstate Commission determines that any Compacting State has at any time defaulted (hereinafter Defaulting State) in the performance of any of its obligations or responsibilities under this Compact, the Bylaws or any duly promulgated Rules the Interstate Commission may impose any or all of the following penalties:

1. Fines, fees and costs in such amounts as are deemed to be reasonable as fixed by the Interstate Commission;

2. Remedial training and technical assistance as directed by the Interstate Commission;

3. Suspension and termination of membership in the Compact. Suspension shall be imposed only after all other reasonable means of securing compliance under the Bylaws and Rules have been exhausted. Immediate notice of suspension shall be given by the Interstate Commission to the Governor, the Chief Justice or Chief Judicial Officer of the state, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, and the State Council.

The grounds for default include, but are not limited to, failure of a Compacting State to perform such obligations or responsibilities imposed upon it by this Compact, Interstate Commission Bylaws, or duly promulgated Rules. The Interstate Commission shall immediately notify the Defaulting State in writing of the penalty imposed by the Interstate Commission on the Defaulting State pending a cure of the default. The Interstate Commission shall stipulate the conditions and the time period within which the Defaulting State must cure its default. If the Defaulting State fails to cure the default within the time period specified by the Interstate Commission, in addition to any other penalties imposed herein, the Defaulting State may be terminated from the Compact upon an affirmative vote of majority of the Compacting States and all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this Compact shall be terminated from the effective date of suspension. Within 60 days of the effective date of termination of a Defaulting State, the Interstate Commission shall notify the Governor, the Chief Justice or Chief Judicial Officer and the majority and minority leaders of the Defaulting State's legislature and the State Council of such termination.

The Defaulting State is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination including any obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of termination.

The Interstate Commission shall not bear any costs relating to the Defaulting State unless otherwise mutually agreed upon between the Interstate Commission and the Defaulting State.

Reinstatement following termination of any Compacting State requires both a reenactment of the Compact by the Defaulting State and the approval of the Interstate Commission pursuant to the Rules.

Section C. Judicial Enforcement.

The Interstate Commission may, by majority vote of the Members, initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the Interstate Commission, in the Federal District where the Interstate Commission has its offices to enforce compliance with the provision of the Compact, its duly promulgated Rules and Bylaws, against any Compacting State in default. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorneys' fees.

Section D. Dissolution of Compact.

The Compact dissolves effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the Compacting State that reduces membership in the Compact to one Compacting State. Upon the dissolution of this Compact, the Compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission shall be wound up and any surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the Bylaws.

ARTICLE XIII.

SEVERABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION.

The provisions of this Compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the Compact shall be enforceable.

The provisions of this Compact shall be liberally constructed to effectuate its purposes.

ARTICLE XIV.

BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS.

Section A. Other Laws.

Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a Compacting State that is not inconsistent with this Compact.

All Compacting States' laws conflicting with this Compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.

Section B. Binding Effect of the Compact.

All lawful actions of the Interstate Commission, including all Rules and Bylaws promulgated by the Interstate Commission, are binding upon the Compacting States.

All agreements between the Interstate Commission and the Compacting States are binding in accordance with their terms.

Upon the request of the party to a conflict over meaning or interpretation of Interstate Commission actions, and upon a majority vote of the Compacting States, the Interstate Commission may issue advisory opinions regarding such meaning or interpretation.

In the event any provision of this Compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any Compacting State, the obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction sought to be conferred by such provision upon the Interstate Commission shall be ineffective and such obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction shall remain in the Compacting State and shall be exercised by the agency thereof to which such obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction are delegated by law in effect at the time this Compact becomes effective.

2004, c. 407.

A. The Virginia State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision (the Council) is created as a policy council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The Council shall consist of five members:

1. One representative of legislative branch appointed by the Joint Rules Committee;

2. One representative of the judicial branch appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court;

3. One representative of the executive branch appointed by the Governor;

4. One nonlegislative citizen member, representing a victims' group appointed by the Governor; and

5. One nonlegislative citizen member who in addition to serving as a member of the Council shall serve as the Compact administrator for Virginia, appointed by the Governor.

The appointments shall be subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The legislative members and other state officials appointed to the Council shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Members who are not state officials shall be appointed for four-year terms. All members may be reappointed. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be made for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

B. The Council shall appoint the compact administrator as the Virginia commissioner to the Interstate Commission. The Virginia commissioner shall serve on the Interstate Commission in such capacity under or pursuant to applicable law of this Commonwealth.

C. The Council shall exercise oversight and advocacy concerning its participation in interstate commission activities and other duties as may be determined by the Council, including development of policies concerning operations and procedures of the Compact within Virginia.

D. The Council shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman annually. A majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum. Meetings of the Council shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

E. Legislative members of the Council shall receive such compensation as provided in § 30-19.12 and nonlegislative citizen members shall receive such compensation as provided in § 2.2-2813 for their services. All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Department of Corrections.

F. The Department of Corrections shall provide staff support to the Council.

2004, c. 407; 2005, c. 758.