Persons convicted of felonies or misdemeanors who are sentenced to jails and not eligible for parole under § 53.1-152, shall be eligible for parole in the same manner as provided in § 53.1-151 when the total sentences to be served, exclusive of fines, are more than twelve months. However, a person convicted of misdemeanors and sentenced to serve a total active sentence of more than 12 months in jail shall not be eligible for parole nor subject to the provisions of § 53.1-159 upon conviction of any offenses committed on or after July 1, 2008. The Virginia Parole Board shall have the same powers and duties to carry out the provisions of this section as are set forth in § 53.1-136.