Parole Board; prescribe qualifications for the board and post parole hearings on DOC website.
Impact
The bill also restructures the procedures around parole hearings, removing the requirement for these hearings to be held at the Mississippi State Penitentiary. Instead, parole hearings will be accessible to the public via internet webcast, enhancing transparency in the parole process. Notification of parole hearings will now be published on the Mississippi Department of Corrections' website, ensuring that victims and their families receive timely information regarding hearings and decisions, although failure to provide such notice won’t affect lawful determinations of parole.
Summary
SB2352 aims to amend sections of the Mississippi Code regarding the State Parole Board. Key changes include setting specific qualifications for board members, requiring that at least one member must have a background in law enforcement, and two members must be licensed attorneys with experience in criminal defense and prosecutorial law. Additionally, it allows for two board members to be business owners in Mississippi. The bill emphasizes the need for board members to be appointed without political affiliations and mandates annual training based on established correctional guidelines.
Contention
Notably, the bill has sparked discussions regarding the implications of allowing victims and their families a voice in parole decisions. While some argue it is a step towards greater victim rights, critics express concern that the amendments may over-simplify the complexities involved in parole considerations, potentially leading to public outcry without adequate assessment of individual cases. The change in hearing locations and the push for electronic monitoring also indicate a shift toward modernizing the parole system, reflecting ongoing efforts to address criminal justice reform in the state.