MN SF865

Creates a five-member Parole Board consisting of four members appointed by the governor (with senate approval) and one chair appointed by the commissioner of corrections; no more than two governor-appointed members may belong to the same political party.

Establishes parole eligibility criteria including: serving two-thirds of sentence, serving three years or more if age 60+, juveniles certified as adults serving five years or more, individuals convicted of drug offenses or commercial crimes, and those demonstrating profound character change since offense.

Prohibits parole for individuals convicted of sex offenses as defined in sections 609.342-609.345, 609.3451, 609.3453, 609.3455, 609.352, 609.365, 617.23, 617.246, and 617.247.

Requires board members to have knowledge or experience in corrections or related fields and to consider both public safety and individual needs; among governor-appointed members, at least one must be a woman, one a man, and one a member of a racial minority.

Requires annual reports to legislative committees detailing persons granted parole and cost savings to the Department of Corrections; appropriates funds to implement the parole board effective upon final enactment.