FISCAL NOTE

House Bill 57 as introduced creates the four-member Criminal Justice Policy Development Council to 1) update the inmate classification system; 2) create parole guidelines; 3) adopt a validated risk and needs assessment for felony offenders; and 4) provide quarterly reports beginning on October 1, 2022 on the progress of these policies. This bill could increase the obligations of the various employing agencies by an undetermined amount dependent on the cost of 1) any third party contracts entered into by the Council to assist in the development of these policies; and 2) expenses incurred by members to attending meetings of the Council. This bill could also increase the administrative obligations of the Department of Corrections and the Board of Pardons and Paroles to implement the systems, guidelines, and policies adopted by the Council.

In addition, this bill could further increase the administrative obligations of the Board of Pardons and Paroles to 1) use parole release guidelines in parole decisions; 2) provide an explanation when deviating from these guidelines; and 3) provide written notification to the prisoner of their right to appeal a parole denial by the Board that deviated from these guidelines to the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, as provided by this bill.