NY A09696

Establishes a geriatric parole program allowing the Board of Parole to release inmates aged 60 or older who have served at least one-half of their sentence and pose low public safety risk.

Prohibits geriatric parole eligibility for inmates convicted of first-degree murder, sex offenses, terrorism, or drug trafficking crimes, or attempts/conspiracies to commit such offenses.

Requires the Board to use validated risk assessment instruments and personally interview each eligible inmate, with sentencing courts and district attorneys given 15 days to comment before release is granted.

Mandates detailed written reasons for denials within two weeks and allows inmates to reapply annually without affecting eligibility for other forms of release.

Requires annual reporting to the Governor, Legislature, and relevant committees on applicant numbers, grants, releases by county, denials, reoffenses, and estimated correctional health care savings.