HB243 - Parole Criteria Revision

• Establishes that parole shall be granted to eligible prisoners unless the case file demonstrates current and unreasonable risk of law violation that cannot be mitigated by parole supervision.

• Requires Board of Pardons and Paroles to consider prisoner's risk assessment, institutional record, release plans, victim input, risk-reduction program participation, institutional behavior, offense severity, and rehabilitation evidence when making parole decisions.

• Mandates that prisoners convicted of nonviolent offenses with sentences of 20 years or less who are denied parole shall be reconsidered for release no more than two years after denial.

• Requires probation and parole officers to complete training within two years of hire covering assessment techniques, case planning, risk reduction, behavioral health, mental health, and core correctional practices.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.