Bill > A01494

This bill amends the Executive Law and Penal Law to authorize early parole release for inmates where substance abuse was a significant contributing factor in the commission of the offense. It allows inmates who have successfully completed a substance abuse treatment program and have not been disciplined for drug or alcohol use for at least two years to be eligible for early release to community supervision after completing one-half of their minimum period of incarceration, as long as they are not serving a sentence for certain felonies like A-I or violent felonies. The bill outlines how the parole board can determine if substance abuse was a significant contributing factor in the crime, and requires the board to consider specific factors when deciding whether to grant early release.