Grants of Pardons, Paroles, and Other Relief; procedures when a person is denied parole after completing certain prerequisites; provide
Impact
The bill is expected to have a notable impact on the parole process within the state, creating a fairer system that emphasizes the rights of offenders. It mandates that if parole is tentatively denied, the board must provide written findings to substantiate the decision. This requirement could lead to more rigorous evaluations of cases, helping to prevent arbitrary or unjust denials based on insufficient evidence or without adequate explanations. Such reforms may improve the perception of the parole system among inmates and advocacy groups focused on criminal justice issues.
Summary
SB586 aims to amend the existing regulations regarding the parole process in Georgia, particularly focusing on cases where offenders are denied parole after having satisfied specific preconditions. The legislation introduces procedures that allow for video conference hearings, ensuring that individuals seeking parole have an opportunity to interact with the entire parole board before any decision is reached. This change is significant, as it enhances transparency and provides the offenders a platform to present relevant information before the board deliberates on their parole status.
Contention
Discussions surrounding SB586 may highlight both support and opposition from various stakeholders in the criminal justice system. Proponents argue that these reforms are long overdue and align with broader efforts to enhance the fairness of parole proceedings, reducing recidivism by providing offenders with a clearer understanding of the decision-making process. Conversely, critics may express concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing video hearings or the potential for increased administrative burdens on the parole board, suggesting that such changes could complicate existing processes in practice.
Pardons and Paroles, requirements for release on parole further provided for, apply for appellate relief when parole denied in certain circumstances, require medical parole hearing held within a certain time frame, allow an inmate released on medical furlough place of residence
Relating to pardons and paroles; to amend Sections 15-22-26, 15-22-28, 15-22-37, and 15-22-43, Code of Alabama 1975, to require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to give weighted consideration to an inmate's age when determining whether to grant parole, to require the board to hold a rehearing once parole is denied for certain inmates, to provide for appellate relief for a prisoner with a serious chronic health condition who was denied parole in certain circumstances; to require the board to hold a medical parole hearing within a specified period of time of an inmate becoming eligible for medical parole; provide for appellate relief for an inmate who was denied medical parole; to amend Section 14-14-5, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide that an inmate released on medical furlough may reside in any state; to add Section 15-22-25.5 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to provide that an inmate may attend his or her parole hearing virtually; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.
Pardons and Paroles Board; increase members on board; further provide for selection of chair; parole consideration guidelines after denial of parole established