Relates to statements made to the state board of parole by the victim of a crime

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to statements made to the state board of parole by the victim of a crime

Purpose

This bill relates to statements made to the state board of parole by the victim of a crime.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends subparagraph (A) of paragraph (c) of subdivision 2 of section 259-i of the executive law, regarding the procedures for the conduct of the work of the state board of parole, to add that current and prior statements made by the crime victim or the victim's representative shall be considered when the board is making a release decision. Additionally, any statement by a victim or a victim's representative made to the board shall be maintained by the department in the file provided to the board when interviewing the inmate in consideration of release. Any victim or victim's representative can receive a copy of the transcripts of such interview upon written request to the department.

Section 2 establishes the effective date.

Justification

This bill clarifies that all current or prior crime victim's statements shall be provided to the parole board for their consideration at each board appearance to ensure that a victim or the victim's representative prior statements are considered at each parole hearing. This alleviates the victim from having to relive their traumatic experience every time a parole hearing is scheduled, while emphasizing that the impact of the parolees actions are not forgotten. Victim impact statements should have no expiration date.

In addition, this bill ensures that transcripts of parole board interviews are promptly provided to any victim who has requested such a transcript.

Legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

None noted.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.