This bill amends West Virginia Code §62-12-23 to enhance the notification process for parole hearings and expand the rights of victims and other notified individuals. It stipulates that the prosecuting attorney must prepare a parole hearing notification form that includes detailed information about the case and the victims. The bill mandates that at least 45 days before a parole hearing, the Parole Board must notify all individuals listed on the form, including victims and their immediate family members, about the hearing's date, time, and location. The notification will now allow victims and other notified persons to submit written statements and speak at the hearing, whereas previously only victims had this right unless they were deceased, minors, or incapacitated.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions allowing offenders to submit written statements and provide names of witnesses to speak at their parole hearings. The Parole Board will have discretion over the number of individuals allowed to speak and the duration of their statements. The changes aim to ensure that all relevant parties have a voice in the parole process, thereby enhancing the transparency and fairness of parole hearings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 62-12-23