Panel approves amendment allowing parole board to use release-time risk assessments; bill moves to floor

The Senate Committee on Judiciary adopted a dash-1 amendment to Senate Bill 1122 and voted to advance the measure to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.

Staff described SB 1122 as allowing the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision to adopt a risk-assessment methodology that considers only the risk an individual presents at the time of release, sentencing, or discharge from custody; the bill also would expand notification levels and authorize the board and related supervisory authorities to reassess or reclassify a person’s risk level if they commit or are charged with specified in-custody rule violations or crimes.

The dash-1 amendment, read by staff, clarified that the measure applies to all listed offenders required to report, regardless of the jurisdiction where they were released, sentenced, or discharged, and it authorizes reassessment and reclassification for individuals previously classified on or after July 10, 2024; the amendment declares an emergency, making the measure effective upon passage.

Senators discussed whether the amendment resolved the Oregon District Attorneys Association’s opposition. Committee members said ODAA representative Amanda Dalton had contacted offices and removed the association’s opposition after discussions with parole and probation staff; senators who had concerns expressed that the change addressed them and said they planned to vote yes.

The committee adopted the dash-1 amendment and then voted to move the bill to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation. The Chair said she would carry SB 1122 to the floor.