NY A03652

Extends the timeline for parole board interviews from one month to three months prior to an individual's parole eligibility date and requires all parties to be physically present in the same room during interviews

Mandates audio-visual recording of parole hearings, with recordings accessible only to the board and the parole applicant or their representative

Requires parole applicants to receive access to all documents in their parole file at least one month before their hearing, with limited confidentiality exceptions for mental health records that could cause substantial harm

Obligates the board to provide detailed, non-conclusory written reasons for parole denials within two weeks, including specific requirements for actions, programs, or changes needed to qualify for release, along with a copy of the scored risk and needs assessment instrument

Requires the department to provide access to necessary programs within 90 days of a denial decision, and mandates that parole be granted upon successful completion of board-specified requirements and a satisfactory institutional record