NY A04273

Increases the notice period for parole interviews from one month to three months prior to eligibility date for both determinate and indeterminate sentence inmates.

Requires parole interviews to be conducted with all parties present in the same room and recorded audio-visually, with recordings available only to the board and parole applicant or their representative.

Mandates parole applicants receive access to all documents in their file at least one month before hearing, with mental health records disclosed unless determined to cause substantial harm under Mental Hygiene Law standards.

Requires the parole board to provide detailed written reasons for denial within two weeks, specify required programs and accomplishments for future consideration, and schedule reappearance upon completion of requirements if institutional record remains satisfactory.

Revises parole release criteria to emphasize preparedness for reentry and reintegration, and adds consideration of restorative justice conferences and transitional accountability plans; protects confidentiality of victim and judicial officer addresses.