Press Release

Contact:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM releases statement following Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee vote on mandatory minimums

RICHMOND – FAMM Deputy Director of Policy Tinsae Gebriel released the following statement after the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee voted to refer the bill to the House Committee on Appropriations:

“While we’re pleased to see the House Courts of Justice Committee taking action on mandatory minimums like their counterparts in the Senate, we’re disappointed that it veers from the crime commission’s recommendation to repeal all of them,” Gebriel said. “We believe that judges should have the authority to consider all the relevant facts and circumstances in every case before imposing a fair punishment.

“Years of research shows that mandatory minimums do not reduce or deter crime. But they do impact communities of color disproportionately. This is a chance to right that wrong, so we’re hopeful that the chambers will ultimately come to an agreement on a bill that more closely mirrors the recommendation of the crime commission.”

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.