NY A00162

Changes parole release standard from denying release "merely as a reward for good conduct" to granting release to eligible individuals unless the parole board demonstrates a "current and unreasonable risk" the individual will violate the law that cannot be mitigated by parole supervision.

Expands factors the parole board must consider to include all evidence of rehabilitation and reform, support from family and community networks, reentry services, and prohibits basing denial solely or primarily on crime victim statements, offense seriousness, or prior criminal record.

Requires the parole board to provide detailed, individualized, non-conclusory written explanations for any denial of parole, including how the case record and enumerated factors were considered and weighed.

Mandates quarterly public reports to the governor, legislature, and parole board website detailing the number of parole denials, reasons for each denial, assigned commissioners and their votes, and demographic information on denied applicants.