Citizen’s Custody Review Board (HB 2521)
Even though the Bill was cut-off, the possibility exists for a study to support future legislation (see last focus point), perhaps involving the Sentencing Guidelines Commission.
Description of the bill in a nutshell:
- Establishes a citizens’ custody review board authorized to determine whether individuals, whom society no longer needs to hold in prison for public safety, should be released from custody.
- Requires the department of corrections to: (1) Provide space in which the citizens’ custody review board may meet and conduct its business; and (2) Provide clerical assistance.
- Provides that, except as otherwise restricted by federal law, an offender released pursuant to the act is subject only to the conditions of release established by the citizens’ custody review board.
- Requires the state institute for public policy to conduct a study of the effect of the act on recidivism and other outcomes.
What can be done – next steps: Meet with legislators to discuss how to best structure a study, how to access needed support, who should be involved, and how best to involve them.
Meet with legislators to discuss how to best structure a study, how to access needed support, who should be involved, and how best to involve them.