Civil rights advocates say the new board, with more members, representation and clarity, could also send more rehabilitated Alaskans home.
Sylvester Byrd Jr. and Megan Edge testify in the Senate State Affairs Committee regarding parole board reforms on March 7, 2023.
A bill sponsored by Sen. Löki Tobin, D-Anchorage, would make changes to the board that could increase access to parole for the state’s Requirements like these are in use in other states. In Montana, one member of the parole board must be a member of a local tribe. In Oklahoma, two parole board members must have training in social work or mental health. The proposal would cap the amount of time each board member could serve at two five-year terms. Currency there are no term limits.
She said the hope of parole is an effective incentive for prisoners to try rehabilitation programs, and described how an older prisoner who would likely not leave prison had decided against that programming. But when he realized his younger cellmate with a shorter sentence looked up to him, he began taking classes to set a good example, she said.
Sylvester Byrd Jr. said he understands the seriousness of a crime — it’s a reality he faces every day. But his years on parole show that even those who commit the most serious crimes can be rehabilitated.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Winter weather advisories issued as heavy snow makes return to SoutheastUnsettled weather in the Gulf of Alaska will keep daily rain and snow for Southeast Alaska.
Read more »
Juneau senator sponsors bill to put more guardrails on property assessments in AlaskaSen. Jesse Kiehl says the bill aims to make the property assessment process in the state more fair and transparent for residents.
Read more »
AK State Senator Scott Kawasaki proposes permit fees for heavy vehicles on Alaska highwaysAccording to Kawasaki, the bill came about due to public feedback about heavy vehicles on Interior roads, particularly Manh Choh ore haul trucks.
Read more »
Proposal to define a fetus as a person in Alaska’s criminal code faces pushbackOpponents testified that the bill would threaten Alaskans’ abortion rights.
Read more »
New task force targets Alaskans who defrauded Covid-19 aid programsA special task force in Anchorage is targeting Covid-19 relief fraud said to run in the millions of dollars.
Read more »
Juneau lawmakers want more state aid for Alaskans hit by disastersBoth the Senate and House versions of the new bill would bump state disaster aid up to $50,000. Bills introduced by Sen. Jesse Kiehl and Rep. Andi Story would more than double the cap for disaster recovery grants and expand eligibility for condo owners.
Read more »