Virginia House speaker plans public hearings on police reforms

Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn is announcing three public hearings on criminal justice matters ahead of a special session set for later this summer.

Filler-Corn, a Democrat, announced the special hearings Friday, saying they would take place in July and August.

Gov. Ralph Northam is expected to call a special legislative session in August. The initial purpose of the session was to focus on the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, but it has grown to include a focus on criminal justice reform following the widespread civil unrest following the death of George Floyd. Floyd, a Black man in handcuffs, died after a white police officer in Minneapolis pressed a knee on his neck.

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus has said it plans to pursue a broad criminal justice-related agenda at the special session that includes legalizing marijuana and reinstating parole.

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