CO SB146

Expands "special needs offender" eligibility for parole to include inmates 64+ who have served 20+ years and were not convicted of Class 1 or 2 felonies, violent crimes, domestic violence, or stalking offenses.

Requires the Department of Corrections to develop parole plans for all inmates prior to parole hearings and allows inmates or inmate liaisons to request early eligibility determinations for special needs parole within 30 days.

Prohibits the parole board from denying parole solely based on lack of a recommended parole plan; if an inmate is otherwise appropriate for release, the board must delay the decision and request a revised plan within 30 days.

Mandates health insurance enrollment for inmates 65+ approved for release, with the Department paying premiums and costs for up to 6 months and potentially longer if still under supervision.

Appropriates $2,798,098 for fiscal year 2021-2022 to support implementation, including additional staff for case management, mental health services, and parole board operations.