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S 5090

Relates to requiring the state board of parole to reflect the composition of the prison population in race, age and geographic area of residence

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Leroy Comrie and 4 co-sponsors

Bill S 5090 requires the state board of parole to reflect the race, age, and geographic diversity of the prison population, promoting fairer parole decisions.

REFERRED TO CRIME VICTIMS, CRIME AND CORRECTION
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Bill Summary · S 5090

Summary of Bill S 5090

Bill Number: S 5090
Title: Relates to requiring the state board of parole to reflect the composition of the prison population in race, age, and geographic area of residence
Status: Referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
Introduced: February 18, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 5090 aims to address the representation and composition of the state board of parole by ensuring that it reflects the demographic characteristics of the prison population. The intent is to promote fairness and equity in parole decisions, taking into account the race, age, and geographic area of residence of incarcerated individuals.

Key Provisions

  • Demographic Representation: The bill mandates that the composition of the state board of parole must mirror the demographics of the prison population, specifically in terms of:

    • Race: Ensuring that racial diversity is represented on the board.
    • Age: Including members of varying age groups to reflect the age distribution of inmates.
    • Geographic Area: Considering the geographic diversity of the state’s prison population.

  • Board Composition Review: The bill may require periodic reviews of the board's composition to ensure ongoing compliance with these demographic standards.

  • Reporting Requirements: The state board of parole may be tasked with reporting on its composition and any efforts made to align with the demographic makeup of the prison population.

Affected Parties

  • State Board of Parole: The board will need to adjust its membership and possibly its selection processes to comply with the new requirements.
  • Incarcerated Individuals: The bill aims to benefit incarcerated individuals by promoting a more equitable parole process that considers their backgrounds and experiences.
  • Community Organizations: Groups advocating for criminal justice reform and racial equity may find this bill aligns with their objectives and could support its implementation.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of February 18, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions (S 968, S 4431, S 4518, S 740, S 4958, S 4327) that may address similar issues or themes in criminal justice reform.

Conclusion

Bill S 5090 represents a significant step towards ensuring that the state board of parole is more representative of the individuals it serves. By focusing on demographic equity, the bill seeks to enhance the fairness of the parole process and address systemic disparities within the criminal justice system.

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

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