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HB 173

State correctional facilities; visitation policies, annual report.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 14 co-sponsors

Virginia requires state prisons to adopt standardized visitation policies and submit annual compliance reports to increase family contact and public oversight of correctional practices.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0571)
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Bill Summary · HB 173

Legislative bill overview

HB 173 establishes new visitation policies for Virginia state correctional facilities and requires the Department of Corrections to submit an annual report detailing those policies and their implementation. The bill appears designed to standardize and increase transparency around how incarcerated individuals can maintain family and community connections while in state custody.

Why is this important

Visitation policies directly affect incarcerated individuals' mental health, rehabilitation outcomes, and family stability—factors research shows correlate with reduced recidivism. Requiring annual reporting creates accountability and allows legislators and the public to assess whether policies are being applied fairly across facilities and whether they align with stated penological goals.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and resource allocation: Expanding or formalizing visitation programs may require additional staffing, facility modifications, and administrative resources, which the fiscal impact statement would address
  • Security versus access trade-off: Balancing increased visitation access with correctional facility security concerns and staff safety protocols
  • Disparate facility impacts: Requirements may affect smaller, rural facilities differently than large urban facilities, raising questions about uniform implementation statewide

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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