Bill > H2604

This bill modifies the medical parole provisions in Massachusetts law by updating definitions, expanding eligibility, and improving the process for considering medical parole for prisoners who are terminally ill or permanently incapacitated. The bill redefines "permanent incapacitation" as a medical determination of irreversible physical or cognitive impairment, and "terminal illness" as a condition likely to cause death within 18 months. It requires correctional facilities and sheriffs to consider medical parole petitions from prisoners, their advocates, next of kin, or medical providers, and mandates a comprehensive review process that includes a medical diagnosis, risk assessment, and proposed parole plan. The bill also requires annual cognitive assessments for prisoners 55 and older, ensures notification to relevant parties like district attorneys and victims, and establishes that medical parole should be granted unless there is clear and convincing evidence the prisoner would violently reoffend. The legislation emphasizes creating individualized, compassionate parole plans that consider the prisoner's medical condition, provides a framework for potential parole revocation if medical conditions change, and requires detailed reporting on medical parole applications to track demographic information and decision-making patterns.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2604