Bill > H4837

This bill aims to implement recommendations of the Commission on structural racism in the parole process. It makes several changes to the parole board composition and decision-making process in Massachusetts: 1. It increases the parole board from 7 to 9 members and requires that at least 3 members have experience in psychiatry, psychology, social work, or substance use disorder treatment, with at least one being a licensed mental health professional. It also requires that at least one member be a formerly incarcerated individual who has completed the parole process at least 3 years prior. 2. It mandates the parole board to collect and publish detailed data on parole violations, revocations, and other metrics, disaggregated by race, ethnicity, and gender, to enhance transparency and accountability. 3. It requires the parole board to consider the rehabilitative effect and public safety purpose of each parole condition, and to document the reasoning behind the conditions. 4. It mandates that parole board decisions provide clear instructions to inmates on the terms, services, and requirements needed to become a better candidate for parole, and requires a detailed record of the decision-making process. 5. It requires the presence of correctional staff at parole hearings to inform the board about available services and to verify that inmates can comply with any conditions or requirements set by the board. Overall, the bill aims to address potential racial disparities and improve the fairness and transparency of the parole process in Massachusetts.