GA SB25

Offenders who have earned maximum performance incentive credits or are serving life sentences and being considered for parole may request a video conference hearing with all board members at least 30 days before the tentative parole date

Video conference hearings allow offenders to present information and ask questions about their offense, prison programming completion, community support, victim impact, and prosecutor/court positions

If parole is denied or delayed, the board must provide written findings of fact explaining the basis for the decision, including documentation of all contacts made with offender and victim representatives

When three board members tentatively vote to deny or delay parole, the remaining two members must be notified and given 14 days to review and discuss the decision before it becomes final

All duties regarding hearings and written findings are nondiscretionary and subject to mandamus (court-ordered enforcement) under Georgia Code Section 9-6-20