WV SB827

Expands who may speak at parole hearings beyond just victims to include other persons listed on the parole hearing notification form, such as prosecuting attorneys, judges, and law enforcement officers involved in the case

Grants offenders the right to submit written statements and provide names of witnesses to speak on their behalf at parole hearings

Gives the Parole Board panel discretion to determine how many people may speak and how much time is allotted for speakers at hearings

Removes the previous restriction that limited speaking rights to victims only (with exceptions for deceased, minor, or incapacitated victims)

Maintains existing notification requirements including 45-day advance notice of hearings and certified mail notification to victims and family members