Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF5278

Introduced
4/2/24  

Caption

Supervised and medical release provisions modifications, Supervised Released Board membership modifications, and Medical Release Review Board establishment

Impact

The bill is expected to have profound implications on Minnesota's criminal justice system, particularly in the realm of inmate rehabilitation and early release criteria. The revisions to the standards for medical release and the establishment of the Medical Release Review Board are notable, as they aim to address health-related conditions of inmates in a more humane manner. Moreover, the proposed amendments could lead to a more responsive and effective process for determining eligibility for parole, ensuring that decisions are backed by comprehensive assessments of each inmate’s behavior and rehabilitation efforts.

Summary

SF5278 seeks to amend existing legislation regarding parole and supervised release, emphasizing a structured modification to the conditions and procedures under which inmates are granted release. Central to the bill is the establishment of the Medical Release Review Board and a systematic five-year supervision limitation for parolees. The proposed changes reflect a significant realignment in the authority and responsibilities of the Supervised Release Board, allowing them to oversee final discharge decisions, thereby minimizing the role of the Commissioner in this process.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding the bill, mainly regarding the legislature's approach to balancing community safety with inmates' rights. Critics may argue that granting such liberation authority could risk public safety if stringent evaluation criteria are not thoroughly maintained. Additionally, there will likely be debates over how this structure impacts the accountability of the Supervised Release Board and the balance of power between state agencies involved in corrections. The legislation's passage could pivot on the discourse surrounding these significant reforms and their anticipated societal implications.

Companion Bills

MN HF5134

Similar To Supervision of parolees limited to five years, grounds for early discharge from parole and certificate of final discharge modified, Supervised Release Board member qualifications modified, Board reappointment limited, inmates made eligible for earned release credits, Medical Release Review Board established, and life sentences eliminated.

Previously Filed As

MN HF5134

Supervision of parolees limited to five years, grounds for early discharge from parole and certificate of final discharge modified, Supervised Release Board member qualifications modified, Board reappointment limited, inmates made eligible for earned release credits, Medical Release Review Board established, and life sentences eliminated.

MN SF2380

Supervision standards committee establishment; probation, supervised release and community corrections provisions modifications; appropriating money

MN SF1351

Indeterminate Sentence Release Board establishment

MN SF4961

Law addressing release of certain inmates modification

MN HF4048

Department of Corrections; various provisions modified relating to data sharing, correctional officer use of deadly force, electronic filing of detainer, disclosure to victims of city and zip codes of offender after incarceration, disqualifying medical conditions, health care peer review committee, jail inspection data, medical director designee, Supervised Release Board, probation report date, and comprehensive community supervision and probation services.

MN SF1325

Eligibility for release and early supervised release for certain individuals sentenced to life in prison for crimes committed while under the age of 18 establishment; Juvenile Release Board establishment

MN HF4455

Law addressing release of inmates modified.

MN SF1819

Corrections provisions modifications

MN HF1838

Supervision standards committee provided; probation, supervised release, and community corrections modified; rulemaking provided; report required; and money appropriated.

MN SB2117

Earned-release supervision; require Parole Board to approve release of offenders.

Similar Bills

MN HF5134

Supervision of parolees limited to five years, grounds for early discharge from parole and certificate of final discharge modified, Supervised Release Board member qualifications modified, Board reappointment limited, inmates made eligible for earned release credits, Medical Release Review Board established, and life sentences eliminated.

MN SF4961

Law addressing release of certain inmates modification

MN SF1325

Eligibility for release and early supervised release for certain individuals sentenced to life in prison for crimes committed while under the age of 18 establishment; Juvenile Release Board establishment

MN HF4455

Law addressing release of inmates modified.

MN SF4006

Data sharing with prosecutor modification for petition for sentence adjustment

MN SF4527

Corrections earned incentive release credit exclusions expansion

MN HF1300

Eligibility for release for individuals sentenced to life in prison for crimes committed while under age of 18 established, eligibility for early supervised release for individuals sentenced for crimes committed while under age of 18 established, Juvenile Release Board established, and review by court of appeals provided.

MN HF4048

Department of Corrections; various provisions modified relating to data sharing, correctional officer use of deadly force, electronic filing of detainer, disclosure to victims of city and zip codes of offender after incarceration, disqualifying medical conditions, health care peer review committee, jail inspection data, medical director designee, Supervised Release Board, probation report date, and comprehensive community supervision and probation services.