RICHMOND, VA (Rocktown Now) — Legislation patroned by Delegate Tony Wilt establishing an objective scoring system to assess parole-eligible inmates’ suitability for release has become law following the General Assembly’s approval of amendments offered by Governor Spanberger during the reconvened session.

The legislation reportedly creates a ten-factor scoring system designed to bring greater consistency and transparency to parole decisions. The criteria evaluate an inmate’s conduct while incarcerated, participation in education and workforce programs, disciplinary record, prior instances of incarceration, and readiness for reentry, including verified housing and employment plans.

The law does not expand parole eligibility, as it applies only to individuals who are already eligible under existing law. Additionally, The Parole Board continues to maintain full discretion in all decisions, allowing the Board to account for unique and individual circumstances. To allow time for the Parole Board to implement the scoring criteria, the Governor amended the bill to delay full implementation until July 1, 2027.

“This legislation is about bringing greater consistency and objectivity to the parole review process,” said Delegate Wilt in a release. “It ensures that inmates who are already eligible for parole are evaluated using clear, structured criteria, while preserving Parole Board authority. This approach provides a better understanding of what is expected for favorable consideration, without compromising public safety. I’m grateful for the broad bipartisan coalition of stakeholders that contributed to this legislation.”

The original idea for the bill was brought to Delegate Wilt by members of the local Valley Justice Coalition (VJC), after three inmates at Lawrenceville Correctional Center shared a draft proposal with the group.

“We owe a ton of appreciation to Delegate Wilt for sponsoring this legislation and getting it passed,” said Pastor Harvey Yoder, co-chair of the Valley Justice Coalition. “It gives the Parole Board clear guidelines on which to base their decisions and offers new hope to hundreds of men and women who have worked hard to earn parole release. It’s a big win for Virginia taxpayers, too.”