Panel unanimously backs bill to streamline access to nonconfidential court records for sentencing analysis

Senate Bill 330, presented by Senator Perry with a substitute, clarifies that the Virginia Sentencing Commission and Department of Corrections staff may access defined "nonconfidential" court records to compute sentencing guideline data and prepare required reports. The substitute reinserts the term "nonconfidential" to make clear sealed or confidential records are not disclosed.

Representatives of the Sentencing Commission and the Department of Corrections (Jody Friedley and Eric Barton) described administrative burdens arising from individual access requests and supported a single‑application approach for authorized staff, saying it would greatly reduce paperwork and speed required filings so sentencing can proceed on schedule. Counsel confirmed the substitute's intent and members reported the substitute unanimously (9–0).