Meek Mills prison reform organization, the REFORM Alliance, has helped obtain another legislative victory and this time it’s in Virginia. In a collaborative effort with Justice Forward VA, American Conservative Union, and Faith and Freedom, the groups have helped enact HB 2038. The new law in Virginia will implement caps on probation terms by limiting adult probation sentences to a maximum of one year for misdemeanor offenses and five years for felonies. HB 2038 goes into effect on July 1, 2021.
Meek Mill actually put the whole bill in motion in December during a series of tweets with Justice Forward VA asking how they could help bring about a change.
“This legislation is a meaningful step forward toward building better pathways for Virginians stuck in the probation trap, and sets a positive example for what can be done in other states across the country,” REFORM CEO Robert Rooks said in a statement to Complex. “We’re thankful for the support behind HB 2038 that will reunite families, prevent unnecessary incarcerations and give life back to thousands of Virginians.”
Virginia delegate Don Scott, who was instrumental in passing the bill further, praised the rapper for bringing light to the broken justice system in the statement to Complex.
“When people directly impacted by probation and our broken criminal justice system, like Meek Mill and others at the REFORM Alliance, get behind those of us fighting to make a difference on these issues, we can create substantive and meaningful change,” stated the Virginia delegate who authored the bill.
Meek helped establish the REFORM Alliance to address issues in the criminal justice system that leave people on parole for years, creating more expenses for the state, and highly increasing a trend that finds individuals going back to jail. The organization also helps those returning home from prison adapt back into society.
