Gov. Northam Signs Probation Reform Bill For Virginia

STATEWIDE — Governor Ralph Northam signed a bill on Thursday, June 10 that will change the probation system in Virginia.

The probation reform bill will provide court limitations for probation sentences in the Commonwealth. 

The new law, which takes effect July 1, will limit probation terms to a maximum of one year for misdemeanors and five years for felonies. 

The bill will also limit the amount of prison time that a court can order for a probation violation.

For the signing ceremony in Richmond, Northam was joined by rapper and reform advocate Meek Mill, who was in prison and on probation for 12 years until 2019 over a misdemeanor arrest.

Prior to the bill’s signing, Virginia was one of only seven states that did not specify these restrictions. 

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