New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03024

Introduced
1/23/25  
Refer
1/23/25  

Caption

Allows for the removal of members of the state board of parole by a majority vote in the senate and the assembly; requires three or more members of such board personally interview potential parolees; requires that the determination to parole an incarcerated individual be unanimous.

Summary

Bill S03024 amends the executive law regarding the membership and operation of the state board of parole. It allows for the removal of board members by a majority vote in both the senate and assembly, as opposed to the previous requirement of removal by the governor for cause. Additionally, the bill mandates that at least three members of the board must personally interview incarcerated individuals who are eligible for parole, and that any decision to grant parole must be unanimous among the board members. If parole is denied, the incarcerated individual must be informed of the reasons in detail and provided a timeline for reconsideration. The bill also stipulates that if an incarcerated individual is granted parole, they must receive written notification of the conditions of their parole, which may include compliance with restitution orders and other fees. Furthermore, the bill ensures that individuals released on parole are informed that their voting rights will be restored upon their release. This aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the parole process while also ensuring that individuals are aware of their rights and obligations upon release.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will significantly alter the procedures governing the state board of parole, making it more accountable to the legislature rather than solely to the executive branch. The requirement for unanimous decisions on parole will likely lead to more thorough evaluations of incarcerated individuals, potentially impacting the number of individuals granted parole. The restoration of voting rights upon release is also a notable change, which may affect the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society and their participation in the democratic process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S03024 appears to be mixed, with proponents arguing that it increases accountability and fairness in the parole process, while critics may express concerns about the potential for political influence in parole decisions. The absence of recorded votes or committee discussions makes it difficult to gauge the full extent of support or opposition among legislators, but the introduction of the bill suggests a push for reform in the parole system.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches in parole decisions. Some legislators may argue that allowing the legislature to remove board members could politicize the parole process, while others may contend that this change is necessary for greater oversight. Additionally, the requirement for unanimous decisions could be contentious, as it may lead to disagreements among board members about individual cases.

Companion Bills

NY A07532

Same As Allows for the removal of members of the state board of parole by a majority vote in the senate and the assembly; requires three or more members of such board personally interview potential parolees; requires that the determination to parole an incarcerated individual be unanimous.

Previously Filed As

NY S01412

Allows for the removal of members of the state board of parole by a majority vote in the senate and the assembly; requires three or more members of such board personally interview potential parolees; requires that the determination to parole an incarcerated individual be unanimous.

NY A07532

Allows for the removal of members of the state board of parole by a majority vote in the senate and the assembly; requires three or more members of such board personally interview potential parolees; requires that the determination to parole an incarcerated individual be unanimous.

NY S05802

Relates to incarcerated individual interviews by the state board of parole; requires such parole board interviews of incarcerated individuals to be conducted in person and in the correctional facility where such incarcerated individual is housed.

NY HB1589

Virginia Parole Board; powers and duties, membership, voting requirements, etc.

NY S04645

Requires unanimous agreement by the parole board to release an incarcerated individual on parole.

NY HB739

Virginia Parole Board; increases membership, appointment of members, powers and duties.

NY SB62

Board Of Parole: Membership, Report

NY HB204

State Parole Board; provide that three of the five appointed members must have served as law enforcement officers.

NY A02355

Establishes the parole board accountability act which requires incarcerated individuals who are released on parole, via a vote that is not unanimous, be placed in the community where one of the two board members primarily reside; establishes the procedure of which of the two board member's community the releasee shall be released to.

NY S03552

Establishes the parole board accountability act which requires incarcerated individuals who are released on parole, via a vote that is not unanimous, be placed in the community where one of the two board members primarily reside; establishes the procedure of which of the two board member's community the releasee shall be released to.

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