Rhode Island House Bill H7142

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/22
• Refer: 1/20/22

Caption

Correctional Institutions -- Parole

Impact

If passed, H7142 would amend existing laws to formally require that immediate family members of inmates receive prior notification of parole hearings. It ensures that families are involved not only in the notification but also in the parole process, allowing them to voice concerns or support for the inmate. The bill represents a shift towards a more inclusive approach in the criminal justice system, acknowledging the significant role of familial relationships in the rehabilitation of offenders and their return to communities.

Summary

House Bill H7142, titled 'An Act Relating to Criminals -- Correctional Institutions -- Parole', aims to enhance the role of an inmate's immediate family in the parole process. The bill stipulates that family members must be notified of upcoming parole hearings and are granted the right to attend these hearings. This approach is intended to foster transparency and ensure that the family can provide insights regarding the inmate's rehabilitation and conduct during incarceration, which may influence the parole board's decisions. Supporters of the bill believe that family involvement can be pivotal for the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society.

Contention

However, the bill has sparked some contention among stakeholders. Critics express concerns about potential unintended consequences, such as the possibility of families being influenced by fear or stigma associated with the inmate's past. There is also apprehension regarding the feasibility of notifying all identified family members, considering the varying degrees of family involvement and complex family dynamics that can exist in such cases. Furthermore, discussions surrounding victim rights may arise, as the inclusion of family could complicate the dynamics of how victim’s voices are considered in parole decisions.