HB5126 Summary

• Requires at least 5 members of the Prisoner Review Board have actual experience as law enforcement officers or prosecutors.

• Mandates parole decisions for first degree murder convicts require a two-thirds vote of the entire Board membership instead of a simple majority.

• Establishes Board mission to protect victims' rights and gives weight to victim statements; allows one representative each from the inmate, law enforcement, and victim families to present oral testimony at parole hearings with 7 days' notice.

• Requires Board parole decisions for first degree murder convicts be sent to the Governor for final approval or denial, with decisions subject to Freedom of Information Act disclosure.

• Makes en banc Board hearings available for live public viewing through livestream on the Prisoner Review Board website.