H 4837 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to implement recommendations of the Commission on structural racism in the parole process

This bill restructures the state parole board by creating an independent nine-member body appointed by the governor and establishes specific requirements for its composition. The new board must include at least three members with expertise in mental health or substance use treatment, as well as at least one formerly incarcerated individual who has successfully completed the parole process. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the board collect and publish detailed annual data on parole outcomes, broken down by race, ethnicity, and gender, to increase transparency. The bill also requires that parole conditions be tailored to the specific offender and offense, with the board providing detailed written explanations for its decisions. Finally, it ensures that correctional staff present at parole hearings inform the board about available rehabilitation services for each prisoner being considered.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jul 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jul 10, 2024 Last action Jul 10, 2024
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Jul 10, 2024
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Jul 10, 2024
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on The Judiciary
lower
0 primary · 6 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.