HB 305 Summary

• Creates a Citizens Oversight Council within the Department of Corrections consisting of 16 members appointed by legislative leadership with initial members appointed by October 1, 2022, and 4-year terms with staggered initial 2-year terms.

• Council membership shall include former prisoners, persons directly impacted by the correctional system, and criminal justice or prison reform advocates, with members appointed equally within each department region.

• Authorizes council to conduct unannounced visits to adult and juvenile correctional facilities, conduct confidential interviews, and make recommendations regarding classification and disciplinary matters, but prohibits interference with day-to-day operations.

• Creates a voluntary Long-term Inmate Program for inmates within 3 years of their parole release date requiring completion of 250 hours of community service, 100 hours of enrichment programs, and evidence-based curriculum covering anger management, criminal thinking, education, family relationships, wellness, substance abuse treatment, and victim impact.

• Modifies parole consideration standards to include inmates' institutional achievements, lack of disciplinary reports, and indications of low public risk; program completion does not guarantee parole.

• Effective date: July 1, 2022.