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Committee agrees to add one member to Montana Board of Pardons and Parole
Summary
Senators unanimously concurred with House Bill 186 to increase the Board of Pardons and Parole from five to six members, a change proponents said is needed to handle a roughly 877‑hearing annual increase and to allow three‑member panels adequate time for preparation.
House Bill 186, carried to the Senate Judiciary Committee by Representative Amy Regier, would increase the Board of Pardons and Parole from five to six members. "The board respectfully asked for an addition to their team, and I asked for your support in House Bill 186," Regier said in opening remarks.
Brad Newman, a current parole board member, and other proponents testified that changes to parole‑review duties since 2017 have substantially increased the number of hearings the board must conduct — proponents cited an average increase of roughly 877 hearings per year — and that panels of three members create scheduling pressure for a five‑member board. "By adding an additional board member, you would provide the board chair ... with some additional flexibility as far as scheduling and assigning those three‑person panels," Newman said. Steven Hurd, the parole board chair, described operational strain and said additional membership would allow members adequate time for research, hearings and revocation proceedings.
Proponents emphasized the board's additional responsibilities beyond parole hearings — including revocations and executive clemency investigations — and said the change would improve consistency, transparency and timeliness. No opponents testified.
On executive action, Senator Ricky moved to concur on HB 186. The committee agreed by voice vote and the clerk recorded that the motion passed; Senator Olson was recorded voting "I" by proxy. The bill was concurred in and will proceed to the full Senate for further action.
