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HD 1442

An Act to promote timely access to parole hearings

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carmine Gentile and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill establishes mandatory timelines for parole board hearings to reduce delays and accelerate release decisions for eligible inmates.

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Bill Summary · HD 1442

Legislative bill overview

HD 1442 aims to accelerate the parole hearing process in Massachusetts by establishing specific timelines for scheduling and conducting parole board reviews. The bill requires the state parole board to hold hearings within defined periods after an inmate becomes eligible, reducing delays that can extend months or years beyond eligibility dates.

Why is this important

Parole delays have significant consequences: incarcerated individuals face uncertainty about release dates, families experience prolonged separation, and prison overcrowding persists. Timely hearings also align with the principle that parole eligibility itself represents a determination that release may be appropriate, making prompt review a matter of procedural fairness and potential cost savings through reduced incarceration periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Critics may argue that faster hearings reduce time for thorough case review and victim input, potentially releasing individuals deemed higher-risk
  • Board capacity and resources: The parole board may lack sufficient staffing and funding to meet new timeline requirements without additional state appropriations
  • Victims' rights balance: Victims and their advocates might worry that accelerated timelines diminish their opportunity to participate meaningfully in parole decisions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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