MA H1812

Expands the Massachusetts Parole Board from its current size to 12 members, appointed by the governor for 5-year terms

Requires the chairperson to designate 7 members for life sentence hearings and 5 members for regular order hearings, with regional appointments considered for regular order coverage

Mandates specific professional expertise requirements: at least 1 member with forensic psychology experience and at least 2 members with social services or reentry coordination experience on each hearing panel type

Increases the minimum prison term before parole eligibility from 18 years to 21 years for certain sentences

Requires life sentence parole hearings to be conducted within 60 days before expiration of minimum term, with 5 of the 7 designated board members present