Bill > H42

This bill aims to reform the re-entry and community supervision of criminal defendants and offenders to enhance public safety by establishing a new "Department of Re-entry and Community Supervision" and a "Parole Board" with expanded responsibilities. It renames and reorganizes existing probation and parole functions, creating a more unified system for managing individuals transitioning back into the community after incarceration. Key provisions include the establishment of a Commissioner of Re-entry and Community Supervision to lead the new department, the creation of community supervision officers and community correction officers with specific duties, and the integration of risk and needs assessments into the supervision process. The bill also revises laws related to parole, community supervision permits, and mandatory post-release supervision, aiming to ensure that individuals are appropriately supervised and supported to reduce recidivism. Furthermore, it addresses the transfer of employees and functions from the former office of the commissioner of probation and the parole board to the new department, and establishes a framework for interstate cooperation in offender supervision through the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision. The legislation also introduces changes to sentencing, including provisions for community supervision for life for certain offenses and mandatory post-release supervision for individuals sentenced to state prison.