NY A00938

Expands parole board considerations to include statements in support or opposition made by any third party, in addition to existing victim and victim representative statements.

Designates all victim impact statements (written, audiotaped, or videotaped) as confidential and limits their availability solely to the state board of parole for use in parole decisions.

Requires district attorneys to notify crime victims of their right to submit confidential victim impact statements or meet personally with a parole board member, with notice stating the confidentiality protections.

Removes language allowing "other persons" to submit statements to the parole board, replacing it with a more specific provision for third-party statements in support or opposition.

Takes effect ninety days after becoming law, with authority for the parole board to adopt necessary rules and regulations immediately upon enactment.