Major improvements are soon to arise in Virginia with the help of Delegate Sally Hudson of District 57. Hudson recognizes significant faults within the system, and offers a list of solutions by sponsoring several bills that will put an end to a number of issues that threaten the socio-economic stability in Virginia. The new laws will lessen the consequences for simple drug possession, ease court debts, offer solutions to Virginia’s disorderly unemployment system, and increase regulations placed on VA landlords.
The first bill on Hudson’s list would reduce the penalty for simple drug possession from a felony charge to a misdemeanor. Hudson prioritizes this bill for obvious reasons:
“Right now, you can spend up to a decade in prison if you have a simple possession charge, so if we cap it at a misdemeanor, it means that the sentence can’t be longer than a year. “
Hudson is also backing H.J. 530, a companion bill that will launch a study to examine and evaluate the potential benefits of full decriminalization of simple possession in VA.
More progressive moves are being made with the introduction of H.B. 1895 and H.B. 2040. H.B. 1895 will extend the grace period before interests begin to arise on court cases, as well as put an end to ridiculous fines, fees, and interest that continue to criminalize poverty in the state. Previous laws suggest that an individual’s economic situation should determine their ability to move forward, something that contradicts the sole ideology our country was built on. Hudson expresses greater concerns regarding classist barriers with H.B. 2040, a bill that would place stricter regulations on employers who neglect to respond to the Virginia Employment Commision (VEC), as well as require the VEC to presume a claimant is entitled to benefits unless an investigation proves otherwise.
Lastly, Hudson makes a point to crack down on illegal eviction or unfair housing practices occurring when a landlord bypasses the formal process and acts on his/her own terms by locking the tenant out, turning off the water or heat, or any other irrational actions.
These propositions are long overdue, but still as necessary as ever. By giving a voice to individuals who have been stuck in stagnancy because of criminal charges, unemployment, or housing problems, Hudson offers hope to a number of Virginia citizens who have been ignored for decades.
There is hope for a better future. Get in touch with Easy Expunctions today for the second chance you deserve.