MN HF3526

Creates a Corrections Board consisting of five full-time members: four appointed by the governor with senate advice and consent (no more than two from same political party), and one chair appointed by the commissioner of corrections from Department of Corrections unclassified service.

Board members serve six-year staggered terms and receive 85 percent of a district court judge's salary, except the chair who receives the chair's salary as a Department of Corrections officer (not less than other members' salaries).

Board may parole individuals sentenced to confinement in adult correctional facilities for indeterminate terms and must give due consideration to public safety; parolees remain under board's legal custody and may be returned at any time.

Establishes that victims of crimes for which parole applicants were convicted have the right to testify in person or in writing before the board, and the board must consider victim statements in its decisions.

Board shall submit annual written reports by January 1 to legislative committees with criminal justice jurisdiction, identifying persons granted parole and cost savings to the Department of Corrections.