Virginia Marijuana Resentencing Bill Advances with Amended Process

Last Prisoner Project responds to changes in legislation that now requires petition-based relief instead of automatic hearings.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:35am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fragmented shapes in shades of green, blue, and purple, representing the complex legal and social issues surrounding marijuana sentencing reform.The amended marijuana resentencing legislation in Virginia aims to provide a path to justice for those impacted by outdated cannabis laws.Richmond Today

The Virginia General Assembly is considering amendments to a marijuana resentencing bill (SB 62/HB 26) proposed by Governor Spanberger. The original bill included automatic resentencing hearings for eligible individuals, but the amended version replaces this with a petition-based process. While Last Prisoner Project would have preferred the automatic pathway, they emphasize that the amended legislation still represents meaningful progress in addressing the harms caused by outdated cannabis laws.

Why it matters

For years, Last Prisoner Project has worked with Virginia lawmakers, advocates, and directly impacted people to advance sentencing reform that gives courts the power to revisit cannabis sentences that no longer reflect current law. This legislation marks a milestone for Virginians and families harmed by outdated cannabis convictions, even with the changes to the resentencing process.

The details

The Governor's amendments replace the bill's automatic resentencing provisions with a petition-based process, altering how eligible individuals may access relief. While the changes shift a key component of the legislation, Last Prisoner Project emphasizes that the bill represents an important opportunity to advance justice for people serving outdated cannabis sentences.

  • The amended bill now returns to the General Assembly for a vote on the Governor's recommendations.
  • Last year, Virginia lawmakers advanced legislation focused on clearing criminal records, streamlining state-initiated expungements, and sealing certain ancillary records tied to cannabis charges and arrests.
  • In 2025, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed a similar LPP-designed sentence modification bill.

The players

Last Prisoner Project

A national nonprofit dedicated to freeing people incarcerated for cannabis offenses.

Governor Spanberger

The current Governor of Virginia who proposed amendments to the marijuana resentencing legislation.

Stephanie Shepard

The Executive Director of Last Prisoner Project.

Marijuana Justice Virginia

A partner organization that has worked with Last Prisoner Project on this legislation.

Virginia General Assembly

The state legislature that is considering the amended marijuana resentencing bill.

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What they’re saying

“This legislation will give eligible Virginians a real chance for justice in the state's legal system.”

— Stephanie Shepard, Executive Director, Last Prisoner Project

What’s next

Under the legislative process, the amended bill now returns to the General Assembly for a vote on the Governor's recommendations.

The takeaway

While Last Prisoner Project would have preferred an automatic resentencing pathway, the amended legislation still represents meaningful progress in addressing the harms caused by outdated cannabis laws in Virginia. The organization will continue working to ensure the law delivers meaningful relief and brings families closer to reunification.