Department of Corrections; create the Division of Parole to perform the administrative and fiscal functions of the Parole Board.
Impact
With the establishment of the Division of Parole, the responsibilities associated with the management of parolees will be standardized. This move is expected to enhance supervision over paroled inmates as the Division will maintain a central registry, ensuring that information on parolees is organized and accessible. Moreover, the Parole Board will be restricted from performing administrative or fiscal functions, allowing it to focus on its adjudicatory duties, which could lead to more timely decision-making concerning parole grants.
Summary
Senate Bill 2402 aims to restructure the Mississippi Department of Corrections by creating a Division of Parole. This division will absorb the current functions of the Parole Board, consolidating administrative and fiscal responsibilities under a new Deputy Commissioner for Parole. The intent behind this legislation is to streamline the parole process and improve the efficiency of the Department of Corrections, reflecting a move towards centralization of various functions associated with parole management.
Contention
While supporters view the restructuring as a necessary step to address inefficiencies within the current system, critics may argue that such centralization could reduce oversight and accountability. Some stakeholders are concerned that moving too many functions under a single division might lead to a lack of checks and balances that were previously afforded by having a separate Parole Board. The implications of this bill also open up discussions on how electronic monitoring of parolees will be handled and the associated costs with these programs.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to the functions of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee, the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments, and the Windham School District.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to the functions of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee, the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments, and the Windham School District.
Merges the functions and duties of the Board of Parole into the Board of Pardons and creates a committee on parole which shall be part of the Board of Pardons (EN DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and the Windham School District and to the functions of the Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and the Windham School District and to the functions of the Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee.