Parole Reforms Move Forward

Liz Gullett

Jun 01, 2018

This week, the House of Representatives approved a plan to establish standards for prisoners before they can be considered for parole. Under House Bill 5377, the reasons a prisoner may not be released include:

A history of behavior while incarcerated that displays a risk to public safety
Failing to outline a personal plan for parole, including how the individual will be a productive member of society and address how they will avoid breaking the law
Being a suspect in an ongoing criminal case or facing a pending felony charge
Failing to complete specific programs ordered by the Department of Corrections to reduce public risk
Being classified as “high risk” during a psychological evaluation over the past three years
Making threats to another person, including a witness to their own criminal case upon release

The bill allows parole boards to delay release for up to one year, giving the prisoner time to complete a required program or evaluation. The bill will be referred to the Senate for consideration.

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