NY A05995

Makes parole release denials final decisions under Article 78 of the Civil Practice Laws and Rules, allowing courts to review release decisions de novo upon appropriate petition.

Grants courts discretion to require appearance by petitioner, affirm the board's decision, modify it, order a de novo interview for reconsideration, or provide a release date.

Requires verbatim records of parole release interviews be made within thirty days, with audio recordings of each interview in its entirety, and all documents submitted to the board included in the hearing record for appeal purposes.

Allows inmates to be represented by an attorney on appeal from a board decision, with court-assigned counsel available for financially unable inmates.

Takes effect 180 days after becoming law.