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Senate debates change to presumptive parole language; bill moves forward after amendment
Summary
Senators debated an amendment changing the statutory language for presumptive parole from mandatory (“shall”) to discretionary (“may”), citing a recent case in Canton where a released individual later committed a homicide. The Senate advanced the amended language for further processing.
The Senate debated and advanced a bill that alters the statutory language governing presumptive parole for certain inmates, replacing a mandatory “shall” with permissive “may” language in the underlying statute used to trigger releases.
Sponsors said the change gives the parole board discretion to review cases that otherwise would be released automatically under presumptive parole rules. Senator Barnett and others cited a recent Canton case in which a person released under existing rules later committed homicide; supporters argued the change was intended to add an extra layer of review for certain releases. “This person would have fit that category of presumptive parole… they hadn’t really been vetted by the parole board,” one sponsor said on the floor.
Questioners pressed for data about how often presumptive parole has resulted in releases; senators at times noted that despite statutory presumptive parole dating from 2014, the parole board reportedly has seldom used the mechanism to release individuals. Sponsors clarified the amendment is not intended to eliminate parole but to give the board discretion to ensure public safety.
The Senate adopted the amendment and moved the bill forward. Sponsors said additional coordination between the Department of Corrections and the Parole Board and follow‑up procedures would be needed if the change becomes law.
