An Act to promote equitable access to parole

This bill (HD 543) reforms Massachusetts parole procedures to improve fairness and access. It requires the parole board to include at least four members with mental health/substance use experience (including one licensed professional) and one formerly incarcerated person with relevant expertise. The bill expands parole eligibility for life sentence holders (excluding certain murder cases), mandates public hearings 90 days before eligibility, and requires the board to reconsider cases every three years if parole is denied. It also adds transparency by requiring hearing recordings to be public for life sentences, ensuring prisoners access to information provided to the board, and directing the board to prioritize risk assessments, program participation, and community reentry plans when making decisions.