(SB62) GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION 1.
Virginia2026Enacted
SB62
Changing Sentences for Old Marijuana Crimes
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 5:26 AM
In one sentence
This law allows people convicted of certain marijuana crimes before July 1, 2021, who are still in jail or on probation by July 1, 2026, to have their sentences changed.
What it does
- Creates a process for people with old marijuana convictions to ask the court to change their sentence if they were sentenced before July 1, 2021 and are still in jail or on probation by July 1, 2026.
- Requires the court to hold a hearing within one year of this law taking effect to decide whether to change the person's sentence.
- Allows people who need help paying for a lawyer to ask the court for free legal aid if they were found to be poor at their original sentencing.
Who it affects
- People who were convicted of certain marijuana crimes before July 1, 2021, and are still in jail or on probation by July 1, 2026.
- Courts that will hold hearings to decide if sentences should be changed.
Limits and unknowns
- The changes made by this law will end on July 1, 2029.
- It only applies to people who were convicted of certain marijuana crimes before a specific date and are still serving their sentence as of another specific date.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Adjudicated delinquent
- A court decision that a minor has broken the law.
- Felony offense
- A serious crime that can lead to more than one year in prison or death penalty.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Modification of sentence for marijuana-related offenses. Creates a process by which a person adjudicated delinquent or convicted of certain felony offenses involving, or violations of probation or community supervision related to, the possession, manufacture, selling, giving, distribution, transportation, or delivery of marijuana committed prior to July 1, 2021, who remains incarcerated or on probation or community supervision on July 1, 2026, may receive an automatic hearing to consider modification of such person's sentence. The bill sunsets on July 1, 2029. This bill is identical to HB 26.
Official activity
Bill history
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 1104 (effective 7/1/2026)Governor
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1104)Governor
- Communicated to GovernorSenate
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 23, 2026Governor
- Passed by for the day Block Vote (21-Y 18-N 0-A)Senate
- Governor's recommendation received by SenateGovernor
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026Senate
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB62)Senate
- Signed by SpeakerHouse
- Signed by PresidentSenate
- EnrolledSenate
- Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB62ER)Senate
- House substitute agreed to by Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)Senate
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB62)Courts of Justice
- Read third timeHouse
- committee substitute agreed toHouse
- Engrossed by House - committee substituteHouse
- Passed House with substitute (65-Y 34-N 0-A)House
- Read second timeHouse
Changes
Amendments
2 stored
2/06/2026 (SB62) AMENDMENT(S) PROPOSED BY THE SENATE COURTS OF JUSTICE 1.