This bill amends the Corrections Code of 1953 to enhance the structure and function of the parole board and refine the conditions for granting parole. It increases the number of parole board members from 10 to 13, mandating that the director appoint the additional members by June 1, 2025, with at least four members required to have no prior employment or appointment within the Department of Corrections. The bill also details the terms of appointment, eligibility for salary and travel expenses, and the responsibilities of the chairperson. Additionally, it revises the criteria for granting parole, emphasizing the need for prisoners to demonstrate they will not pose a threat to society and to have made arrangements for employment or care upon release.

Moreover, the bill introduces specific provisions for prisoners convicted of certain public health code violations, allowing for earlier parole eligibility under conditions such as cooperation with law enforcement. It establishes a structured process for reviewing parole applications, including public hearings and the involvement of the sentencing judge, and outlines the notification process for prosecuting attorneys and victims regarding parole considerations. Notably, it allows prisoners convicted of first-degree murder under a felony-murder theory before November 4, 1980, to be eligible for parole after serving 40 years of their sentence, and it includes provisions for reentry housing for those granted parole.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 791.231