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Committee advances probation and parole reform package; parole fees removed and good‑time rules adjusted
Summary
The committee voted to advance a public‑safety and corrections measure that eliminates parole fees, adjusts good‑time calculations for probationers and parolees, and standardizes release‑date calculations for incarcerated people based on earned credits; an amendment clarified good‑time treatment for parole violators.
The House Judiciary Committee voted to recommend passage of Senate Bill 375, a package of probation and corrections reforms that eliminates parole fees, creates more explicit earned‑credit (good‑time) rules for incarcerated people and probationers, and modifies how probation caseloads and incentives are structured.
Senate sponsor and correctional officials said the bill bundles several changes designed to reduce administrative burden, encourage program participation inside facilities and give probation officers discretion to prioritize caseloads by public‑safety risk. The bill would remove fees charged for parole supervision and instead have the Department of Corrections (DOC) absorb those costs, proponents said, so that returning people can focus limited resources on restitution, family support and re‑entry needs.
The bill also adjusts the calculation and administration of good time so that release dates are more predictable: eligible incarcerated people who complete program requirements would receive credit toward earlier release; the bill also extends good‑time eligibility to some parole returns under an amendment negotiated in committee to avoid unduly harsh treatment of relapsed parolees.
Advocates for fee elimination and sentencing reform supported the changes; the Sentencing Commission and public defender’s office said the amendment addressed earlier concerns. DOC Secretary Alicia Chafoya Lucero and other stakeholders participated in committee discussion; the sponsor described the adopted amendment as “arguably the friendliest amendment ever,” intended to align good‑time rules for parole violations with the underlying offense category.
The committee approved the amended bill by recorded vote.
What’s next: The bill moves to the House floor. Supporters said DOC will need to implement operational changes and that the committee expects follow‑up on caseload management and the calculation of earned credits to monitor outcomes.
