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Bill

A 7151

Requires the members of the state board of parole, and parole hearing officers to be composed of a proportionate share of residents

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Monique Chandler-Waterman

Bill A 7151 requires the state parole board to include local residents, enhancing community representation and fairness in parole decisions.

REFERRED TO CORRECTION
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Bill Summary · A 7151

Summary of Bill A 7151

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 7151
  • Title: Requires the members of the state board of parole, and parole hearing officers to be composed of a proportionate share of residents
  • Status: Referred to Correction
  • Introduced On: March 21, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of Bill A 7151 is to ensure that the composition of the state board of parole and the parole hearing officers reflects the demographic makeup of the community they serve. This is intended to enhance fairness and representation in the parole decision-making process, ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of local residents are adequately represented.

Key Provisions

  • Composition Requirements: The bill mandates that the members of the state board of parole and parole hearing officers must include a proportionate share of residents from the local community. This is designed to align the board's composition with the demographics of the population, potentially addressing concerns about bias and lack of local representation in parole decisions.

  • Implementation Guidelines: While specific implementation guidelines are not detailed in the current version of the bill, it is expected that the bill will outline how to determine the "proportionate share" of residents and the process for appointing members to meet this requirement.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • State Board of Parole: The board will need to adjust its membership and appointment processes to comply with the new requirements.
    • Parole Hearing Officers: Officers may also be required to meet similar demographic representation standards.
    • Local Communities: Residents may see increased representation in parole decisions, which could lead to greater community trust in the parole system.

  • Potential Outcomes: By ensuring that parole decisions are made by individuals who understand the local context, the bill aims to improve the fairness of parole hearings and potentially reduce recidivism by fostering a more rehabilitative approach.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: The bill was referred to the Correction Committee on March 21, 2025. Further legislative actions will determine its progression through the legislative process.

Related Legislation

Bill A 7151 is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions, including:
- A 6500
- A 4697
- A 3211
- A 3521
- A 4106
- A 244
- A 36
- A 252
- A 6646
- S 2549 (companion bill)

These related bills may provide additional context or complementary measures regarding parole and criminal justice reform.

This summary provides a clear overview of Bill A 7151, outlining its purpose, key provisions, potential impacts, and procedural status, making it accessible for both experts and general readers interested in understanding the bill's implications.

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

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