West Virginia Senate Bill SB827

West Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/25
• Refer: 3/20/25

Caption

Updating requirements for parole hearings and notifications

Summary

SB 827 amends West Virginia’s parole-notification statute to expand who may participate at parole hearings and how notice is given. Under current law, the Parole Board must notify victims and certain other listed persons before a hearing, and victims may submit written statements and attend to be heard. The bill would keep that framework but expressly allow other notified persons listed on the parole hearing form to submit written statements and speak at the hearing, not just victims. It also clarifies that the offender may submit written statements and identify witnesses to speak on the offender’s behalf. The bill also preserves and restates the requirement that victims, or their representatives in limited circumstances, be allowed to speak if present, and it gives the Parole Board discretion over how many speakers may be heard and how long each may speak. It maintains the existing notice process for victims and other listed persons, including advance notice of the hearing and notice if parole is granted, while requiring that the release date be set at least 30 days after parole is granted.

Impact

SB 827 would amend §62-12-23 of the West Virginia Code, changing parole-hearing procedures for offenders convicted of serious violent and sexual offenses. The main legal effect is to broaden participation rights at parole hearings beyond victims, allowing other persons listed on the parole hearing notification form to speak, and to formalize the offender’s ability to present written statements and witnesses. It would also reinforce notice obligations to victims, family members, courts, prosecutors, and law enforcement, while leaving the Parole Board with discretion to manage hearing time and speaker limits.

Sentiment

The available context shows no recorded committee debate or votes, so there is no documented partisan or procedural opposition in the materials provided. The bill’s stated purpose suggests a generally procedural and victim-notification-focused measure, with an emphasis on expanding who may be heard at parole hearings rather than changing parole eligibility standards. On its face, the bill appears to be framed as a fairness and participation update to the parole process.

Contention

The likely point of contention is the expansion of speaking rights at parole hearings. Supporters may view the bill as improving transparency and allowing more affected parties, including law-enforcement participants and other notified persons, to be heard. Potential critics may argue that broadening the list of speakers could complicate hearings, increase administrative burden, or dilute the special role of victims’ rights. Another possible issue is the offender’s ability to present witnesses, which may be seen as balancing the process or, alternatively, as adding complexity to parole proceedings. No specific objections are documented in the provided materials.