Bill > A03721

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. The key provisions are: 1) Eligible inmates who have successfully completed a substance abuse treatment program and have not been disciplined for drug or alcohol use in the past two years can be released to community supervision after serving one-half of their minimum sentence, unless they are serving a sentence for certain serious felonies. 2) The parole board can determine that substance abuse was a significant factor based on a court finding, a determination by the Department of Corrections, or the board's own finding. 3) The parole board must consider specific factors and evidence in making this determination. The bill aims to provide early release opportunities for inmates whose substance abuse was a key contributor to their criminal offense.