Bill to integrate Parole Board into DOC passes House panel

The House Standing Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations unanimously passed a bill to integrate the Board of Parole into the Department of Corrections.

Last Friday, the House Standing Committee on JGO unanimously voted to pass and approve House Bill 23-105 which essentially integrates the Board of Parole into DOC.

The bill now moves to the full House for a vote.

DOC Commissioner Anthony Torres appeared at the committee meeting last week and provided his comments in advocacy of the bill.

“The transition from incarceration to freedom is a critical phase in an individual’s journey into rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. By bringing the parole system within the purview of the DOC, we will be able to provide a seamless, continuum of care and supervision for individuals under our charge,” he said.

Torres said DOC is already continuously working to being in the forefront of providing rehabilitation services and preparing individuals for their return to society.

“By extending our responsibility to include parole, we can assure a more coordinated approach to re-entry with a focus on continuity of care and support. Consolidating the parole system within the DOC will not only streamline processes, but it would also allow for better collaboration and communication between all stages of the justice system. This integration will enable us to provide more personalized and effective support to individuals as they navigate challenges of re-entering society,” he said.

Torres told the committee that with Parole under DOC, DOC would have parole policies and procedures aligned with a broader rehabilitation, reintegration, and reduction of recidivism goals.

“By offering parole, the department will aim to promote the successful re-entry of individuals into society while reducing the likelihood of repeating criminal behavior. Parole allows inmates to reintegrate gradually with support and supervision while maintaining a sense of responsibility and accountability. By assessing eligibility and specific parole conditions, DOC would prioritize the rehabilitation of inmates and their successful reintegration back into the community. This approach emphasizes addressing underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior such as substance abuse or mental health issues,” he said.

JGO chair Rep. Marissa Flores (Ind-Saipan) thanked Torres for giving the committee insight on how the integration of the Parole Board into DOC would help individuals re-enter society.