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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Kathy Manderino |
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Manderino bill to reform prison parole system passes House
HARRISBURG, April 10 – State Rep. Kathy Manderino, D-Phila./Montgomery, said legislation she introduced that would make much-needed changes to the state’s prison parole system recently passed the House.
The bill (House Bill 6 ) is part of a package of legislation designed to relieve prison overcrowding, improve public safety, reduce repeat offenses and save taxpayers money.
House Bill 6 would require the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole and county courts to use specified parole guidelines and allow eligible state prisoners to qualify for early release through the Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive. Under the program, judges could impose an alternative minimum sentence for eligible non-violent offenders. Offenders could receive up to 25 percent off their minimum sentence if they complete required programs, do not commit any infractions while in prison, pose no risk to society and if the board grants parole. Current law does not provide incentives to reduce the risk of subsequent offenses.
"Establishing meaningful incentives for nonviolent offenders through proven programs is a commonsense way to reduce recidivism," Manderino said. "Parolees would still receive appropriate supervision while public safety would improve because the risk of repeat offenses would be lessened."
Judges would retain full discretion to set overall maximum and minimum sentences, and the board would retain the right to deny parole. Prosecuting attorneys and courts would also need to be notified of eligible prisoners. If they object to parole being granted, they could file a written objection stating why the prisoner should be denied. If no objection is filed, the board would be able to release the prisoner on parole when his or her minimum sentence expires.
One year after normal parole, eligible offenders would have to meet with their parole officer only once a year until the expiration of their sentence. Parolees would need to continue paying restitution and provide updated contact information if they change their job or place of residence.
"This is a way to relieve our overcrowded prisons of some of their burden and significantly cut the expense of housing prisoners in state and county jails, which in some cases costs $60,000 per inmate," Manderino said. "It would save our taxpayers money."
Defendants would be ineligible for the program if they have been convicted of certain offenses, including use of a deadly weapon, sexual assault and other violent crimes. Those who have been convicted of equivalent crimes in other U.S. states and territories or other countries would also be ineligible.
House Bill 6 would also allow an offender to be released on the designated date as long as he or she has served the required amount of time without incurring disciplinary action, and would clarify current law to better protect confidential victim information housed with the board.
"We have to put sensible parole guidelines in place and provide incentives for prisoners to reduce recidivism," Manderino said. "These guidelines would lower the rate of repeat offenses and allow nonviolent offenders to transition into society more seamlessly."
The package of legislation is supported by numerous groups including the state Board of Probation and Parole, Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association, state Commission on Sentencing, Pennsylvania Sheriffs Association and the Pennsylvania Prison Society. The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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