Bill > S1084

This bill modifies the procedures for parole violation warrants and hearings in Massachusetts, providing clearer guidelines for parole officers and the parole board. Specifically, the bill establishes four key scenarios where a parole officer can issue a warrant for a parolee's temporary custody, including unauthorized removal of GPS monitoring devices, contacting crime victims, violating protection orders, or planning to flee the state. For other potential violations, the parole officer must obtain consent from a supervisor and request a warrant from a parole board member. The bill also mandates a preliminary evidentiary hearing within 15 days of temporary custody, where a hearing officer will determine if a parole violation occurred by evaluating factors such as the nature of the violation, its connection to the original offense, the parolee's criminal history, and public safety concerns. The hearing officer must issue a decision within 48 hours and can order the parolee to remain in custody pending a final revocation hearing. Additionally, the bill allows the parole board to withdraw temporary custody warrants, and any time spent in custody under such a warrant will count toward the original sentence.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1084