Bill > H2693

This bill creates two new provisions related to parole for elderly and medically incapacitated prisoners in Massachusetts. For elder parole, the bill establishes that prisoners aged 55 or older who have served at least half their sentence or 15 years (whichever is less) will be eligible for a parole hearing. The parole board must consider factors like the prisoner's age, long-term confinement impact, medical conditions, and diminished capacity. Parole can be granted unless there is clear evidence the prisoner would violate the law if released. The bill mandates that parole decisions cannot be based on race, ethnicity, disability, or other protected characteristics, and requires the Parole Board to file an annual report detailing parole applications and outcomes. For medical parole, the bill expands eligibility by redefining "permanent incapacitation" and "terminal illness", creating more comprehensive assessment processes for prisoners with serious medical conditions, and establishing clearer guidelines for medical parole consideration, including requirements for medical evaluations, risk assessments, and notification procedures. The bill aims to provide more humane and individualized approaches to parole for elderly and medically compromised prisoners, with safeguards to ensure public safety while recognizing the potential for rehabilitation and compassionate release.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2693