RICHMOND, Va. - Following unanimous vote in both chambers, ACLU of Virginia’s Policy and Advocacy Strategist Shawn Weneta and FAMM’s Vice President of Policy Daniel Landsman released the following statement regarding the passage of HB 555/SB 456 codifying independent prison oversight:
“Prison safety is public safety. Today’s passage of independent oversight of Virginia’s prisons is a critically necessary first step towards ensuring taxpayer dollars are invested in a prison system that treats everyone inside – staff and incarcerated people alike – with care and dignity.
"We applaud the legislature for their bipartisan support of independent prison oversight, and encourage Governor Youngkin to sign this important legislation into law.”
