Bill > H4470

This bill implements several recommendations to address structural racism in the parole process by making multiple changes to existing laws. The bill modifies the composition of the parole board to require at least three members with experience in mental health and substance use treatment, including one licensed mental health professional, and mandates that at least one board member be a formerly incarcerated individual who completed parole at least three years prior. It establishes comprehensive data collection requirements for the parole board and correctional departments, requiring annual publication of detailed statistics about parole violations, revocations, and outcomes disaggregated by race, ethnicity, and gender. The bill also requires parole conditions to be specific to each offender's offense and background, with the parole board mandated to consider the rehabilitative effect of each condition and provide a written justification. Additionally, the bill changes parole hearing procedures to require more detailed documentation of decisions, including clear instructions for inmates denied parole on how to improve their future parole prospects, and mandates that a correctional staff member be present at hearings to provide information about available services and verify the feasibility of proposed parole restrictions.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on the Judiciary (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4470