Bill > H4218

This bill reforms the Massachusetts Parole Board by establishing a new organizational structure and operational procedures. It creates a separate executive director position responsible for administrative, operational, and financial functions, while the board chairperson retains authority over parole policy and board member assignments. The bill changes compensation for board members to 80% of the trial court chief justice's salary and allows the executive director to be paid at the same salary level. The legislation permits the Parole Board to conduct hearings and meetings remotely, provided certain technological and procedural safeguards are in place, such as verifying participant identities and ensuring public access. Additionally, the bill modifies voting requirements for parole hearings for life-sentenced inmates, removing the requirement for a unanimous 7-member vote. The bill mandates that the Parole Board develop a transition plan within 90 days to implement these changes, with full implementation expected within 180 days, and requires the board to file a report detailing the implementation within one year of the act's effective date. These reforms aim to improve the board's efficiency, administrative oversight, and operational flexibility.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4218