Bill > SB136

This bill establishes new provisions for compassionate release and medical parole for incarcerated individuals in Pennsylvania, focusing on two key areas: parole for reasons of age or illness and medical parole during public health emergencies. Under the new law, inmates may be eligible for parole if they have a terminal illness, chronic debilitating medical condition, serious cognitive impairment, or are at least 55 years old and have served a significant portion of their sentence. The bill requires the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole to consider various factors when evaluating parole petitions, including the inmate's current health, risk to public safety, and rehabilitation record. The legislation also mandates that the department notify an inmate's attorney, spouse, partner, or family members when the inmate is diagnosed with a terminal illness and provide opportunities for visitation. Additionally, the bill allows for medical parole during public health emergencies, such as disease outbreaks, for vulnerable inmates who are at high risk of serious complications. The law repeals previous provisions related to transferring inmates for medical treatment and requires annual reporting on parole petitions. The bill aims to provide more humane and flexible approaches to incarceration for individuals with serious medical conditions or advanced age.