Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee approves bill that will eliminate mandatory minimums

VIRGINIA — A proposal to eliminate most mandatory minimum sentences in Virginia will now head to the floor after being approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The legislation, Senate Joint Resolution 34, which was cleared on Monday, would put an end to mandatory minimum jail and prison terms for more than 200 crimes, including: drunk driving,  gun violations, drug distribution and possession or distribution of child pornography.

Under the bill a mandatory minimum sentence for capital murder would remain in place.

Some Republicans members of the committee said they are opposed to eliminatory mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes, including a third offense of driving while intoxicated within five years and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.