MN SF2109

Establishes a temporary inmate release program operating from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017, with a goal of reducing correctional institution operating costs by at least $6,000,000 during the biennium.

Allows inmates to petition the corrections commissioner for release; the commissioner may veto petitions without stated reason and forwards approved petitions to three-judge release panels for majority vote approval.

Released inmates must have served at least 60 percent of their sentence under sentencing guidelines and are released on parole within six weeks of petition approval.

Directs release panels to give special consideration to inmates over 65 years old, those with disabilities making criminal conduct unlikely, those whose sentencing guidelines sentences are less than time served, and those convicted of juvenile offenses at least 20 years earlier.

Appropriates funds from the general fund for judge compensation and panel expenses, and to distribute to counties for increased parole officer supervision costs.