###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30th, 2019
Contact: Georgia Allin
Phone: 757.525.9526
Email: DelMMullin@house.virginia.gov
Delegate MIke Mullin Announces Slate of progressive criminal justice reform bills
Richmond, VA - Delegate Mike Mullin (D-Newport News) announced today that he will be carrying a number of progressive criminal justice bills focused on ending the school-to-prison pipeline and creating a more equitable criminal justice system. These bills are as follows:
- A bill to end the practice of charging disruptive students with disorderly conduct. Not only does this statute disproportionately impact students of color, but it also leads to students across the Commonwealth landing in the courtroom for behaviors that would be better addressed in the principal’s office.
- A bill to eliminate the requirement that school principals must report certain acts that may constitute a misdemeanor offense to law enforcement. By reducing mandatory referrals we can begin to lower the number of children being sent into a criminal justice system where they don’t belong.
- A resolution directing the Virginia State Crime Commission to study disparities and inequities at each level of the criminal justice system here in Virginia. The study will include recommendations on how to increase equity and accountability in the Commonwealth’s criminal justice system.
- A resolution directing the Virginia State Crime Commission to study the expungement laws and process in Virginia, including the effects of criminal records on Virginians and the best practices of other states. The study should result in clear recommendations for improving the Commonwealth’s expungement system.
“Each of these bills represents an opportunity to make our criminal justice system work better for all Virginians,” said Delegate Mullin. “Reforms such as these are an important step in advocating for equity and justice in communities across the Commonwealth.”
Delegate Mullin serves the 93rd District which includes the City of Williamsburg and parts of Newport News, James City County, and York County. He has worked as a prosecutor for more than a decade and handled cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Since his election in 2016, Delegate Mullin has helped pass a number of criminal justice bills, including “Heaven’s Law” to protect children from child abuse.