Bill > H2030

This bill implements several significant reforms to address structural racism in the parole process. First, it modifies the composition of the parole board to require that at least three members have experience in mental health and treatment fields, with one being a licensed mental health professional. Additionally, the bill mandates that one board member must be a person who has previously been incarcerated and successfully completed parole, with at least three years of post-parole experience in related professional or volunteer work. The bill requires the parole board to collect comprehensive data on parole processes, including detailed racial and ethnic breakdowns of parole violations, revocations, and release patterns, which must be published in an annual statistical report. It also requires the parole board to provide more detailed and individualized decision-making, including issuing a detailed record of decision for all parole cases that explains the reasons for approval or denial and provides clear guidance for improvement. The bill mandates that parole conditions must be specifically tailored to the individual and based on current research about rehabilitation and public safety. Furthermore, it establishes that a public hearing must be conducted for every parole-eligible person no later than 90 days before their eligibility date, with the board's decision to be issued at least 30 days before that date, all aimed at creating a more transparent, equitable, and rehabilitative parole process.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2030