Bill
A 2448
Bill A 2448 reforms parole decisions by using risk and needs assessments, enhancing public safety and supporting inmates' successful reintegration into society.
Bill Number: A 2448
Title: Relates to the use of risk and needs principles in parole decisions
Status: Referred to Codes
Introduced: January 17, 2025
Classification: Bill
Bill A 2448 aims to reform the parole decision-making process by incorporating risk and needs assessment principles. The intent is to create a more evidence-based approach to parole that considers the individual circumstances of inmates, thereby enhancing public safety and promoting successful reintegration into society.
Risk Assessment Tools: The bill proposes the use of standardized risk assessment tools to evaluate the likelihood of reoffending among parole candidates. This aims to ensure that decisions are based on empirical data rather than subjective judgments.
Needs Assessment: In addition to risk evaluation, the bill emphasizes the importance of assessing the needs of inmates, such as educational, vocational, and mental health services. This dual approach is designed to address the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior.
Parole Board Guidelines: The bill would require the parole board to adopt guidelines that integrate these assessments into their decision-making processes. This could lead to more tailored parole conditions and support services for individuals.
Training for Parole Officers: The legislation may also mandate training for parole officers on how to effectively use risk and needs assessments in their evaluations, ensuring consistency and fairness in the parole process.
Inmates: Individuals eligible for parole will be directly affected, as the bill seeks to provide a more individualized assessment of their readiness for reintegration.
Parole Boards: The bill will impact the operations of parole boards, requiring them to adapt their procedures and guidelines to align with the new assessment principles.
Community Services: Organizations providing support services (e.g., mental health, vocational training) may see increased demand as the bill emphasizes addressing inmates' needs.
Current Status: As of January 17, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration.
Related Legislation: Bill A 2448 is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions (A 9960, A 1909, A 5800, A 4452, A 4423) and a companion bill in the Senate (S 1861). This suggests ongoing legislative interest in reforming parole practices.
Bill A 2448 represents a significant step towards modernizing the parole system by focusing on evidence-based assessments of risk and needs. If enacted, it could lead to more informed and equitable parole decisions, ultimately benefiting both individuals and society as a whole.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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