Senate committee hears Corey McNally on role and practices of the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board

Corey McNally appeared before the Senate Human Services Committee on Feb. 23 for a gubernatorial appointment confirmation hearing and described the statutory functions and operational practices of the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB).

"For the record, my name is Corey McNally, and I'm a member of the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board," McNally said, summarizing the ISRB's core duties: making release decisions for individuals under its jurisdiction, setting conditions of supervision, managing violations of those conditions, and approving release plans.

McNally reviewed his background in public service since 2008, work at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island, and roles in the Department of Corrections' treatment and assessment programs; he noted he was appointed by Gov. Inslee in August 2024 and reappointed by Gov. Ferguson last June for a five-year term.

Committee members asked about advances in assessment and treatment, how the ISRB differs from civil commitment under the Sexually Violent Predator statute, the board's record on releases, and whether victims participate in hearings. McNally said the field has advanced with stronger actuarial assessments and evidence-based treatment approaches, that the ISRB operates under a different and lower statutory release standard than the civil-commitment SVP statute, and that victim liaisons reach out to identified victims to offer written or in-person testimony options.

On the board's performance, McNally cited biannual reports finding no racial discrepancy in release decisions, noted a recidivism study is underway to provide better outcome data, and said the board seeks to remain neutral on legislation while providing information to the legislature.

The committee closed the appointment hearing and indicated McNally's confirmation would proceed to the Senate floor as the process continues.