The bill amends Section 13-8-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 13-8, which pertains to the qualifications of members of the parole board. It specifies that the board will consist of seven electors appointed by the governor, with new qualifications added for one member. This member must be a person formerly incarcerated or directly impacted by the criminal legal system, having completed the probation and parole process at least three years prior to their selection. Additionally, this individual must possess a professional background in one of the following areas: psychology, mental health and/or substance use, transitional housing, re-entry after incarceration, education, or law.

The bill retains existing qualifications for other board members, which include a psychologist or physician in psychiatry or neurology, a member of the Rhode Island bar, a professional trained in correctional work or a closely related general field such as social work, and a law enforcement officer. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5180: 13-8-2