Committee backs bill to require parole board to consider employment, education and risk assessment

A House committee voted to give House Bill 86 a favorable report after adopting an amendment that revises the language directing the Board of Pardons and Paroles to "give consideration" to inmates' employment, education and risk-assessment results.

Representative England, sponsor of HB 86, said the bill "add[s] additional things for the parole board to consider" — listing inmates' employment while incarcerated, education gained and recognition of the Department of Corrections' risk-assessment — and emphasized the proposal does not remove the board's discretion to decide whether to grant parole.

Members pressed for data and asked whether the items are currently considered; the sponsor said application of such considerations has been inconsistent and that the bill aims to ensure these factors are included in a more holistic review. Representative Perez successfully proposed removing the word "positive" from language requiring "positive consideration," a change the sponsor accepted and the committee adopted by voice vote.

The committee then voted to report HB 86 favorably as amended. The transcript records discussion about parole-release rates and practical supervision concerns but does not include statutory citations beyond the bill language or an implementation timetable.

The bill will advance with a favorable committee report and the amended language requiring the board to "give consideration" to specified inmate factors.