Bill > H2280

This bill proposes to allow for judicial review of decisions made by the Parole Board, meaning that courts could examine and potentially overturn these decisions. Specifically, it amends Chapter 30A of the General Laws, which governs administrative procedures, by removing the Parole Board from the definition of an "agency" that is exempt from certain review processes, and by explicitly including Parole Board decisions as subject to judicial review. This change is significant because it grants the Commonwealth the ability to appeal Parole Board decisions, and it establishes that these decisions can be reviewed by a court to determine if they constitute an "abuse of discretion," which refers to a decision that is unreasonable or arbitrary. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision for inmates serving or who have served more than one life sentence, creating a presumption that they are generally not suitable for parole, though this presumption can be challenged.