The League of Women Voters NY supports Elder Parole S2423/A2035 and Fair & Timely Parole S307/A162. Both of these bills would allow the Parole Board to grant parole to those who have been able to demonstrate through their behavior while incarcerated that they are prepared to lead meaningful and productive lives. Neither bill mandates that any individual be released.
The Elder Parole Bill provides incarcerated men and women, 55 years or older that have served at least 15 years of their sentence the opportunity for parole review with the NY State Board of Parole. Those who are eligible for parole interview by this bill would not automatically be released, they would only be entitled to a hearing. If denied parole, the bill provides for reconsideration within 2 years.
The data shows that less than 2% of those released from prison between the ages of 50 and 65 are rearrested. By the age of 65 or older, the number drops to almost zero.
The Fair & Timely Parole bill sets the standard for the NY State Board of Parole to use in their review of incarcerated individuals that are already parole-eligible and are now applying for parole release. It would require considering the individual’s merit and rehabilitation during the time they served the minimum imposed sentence.
While the original crime would be considered it would be less of a factor than the behavior of the incarcerated person while serving their sentence. The current behaviors and experiences of parole applicants while in prison can and should be used to determine a meaningful parole review and the propriety of granting parole. Like Elder Parole, the parole board will still make the ultimate decision for denial or release in all applications.
Despite unsupported rhetoric, neither bill would result in an increase in crime in New York State. They both simply enable the opportunity for the release of individuals who have demonstrated to the parole board that they altered their lives while incarcerated.
Enactment of Elder Parole and Fair &Timely Parole gives the opportunity only to incarcerated individuals that have truly achieved rehabilitation a chance to not spend years confined in prison for no rational or just purpose.
