March 21, 2011
During Virginia's just-completed legislative session, one of Gov. Robert F. McDonnell's (R) top priorities concerned the re-entry of state prisoners into their communities. Nearly one-third of state inmates return to prison within three years of discharge, and more than 10,000 are released each year. The General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a bill to offer HIV testing to inmates prior to their release. Among other prison-related bills, lawmakers also passed a measure that would allow prisoners to maintain highway rest stops, a cost-saving move.