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House approves intensive parole program (H.B.57) after heated debate over public-safety discretion
Summary
The House passed H.B.57 authorizing the Department of Corrections to establish an intensive parole-release program for certain inmates; supporters cited budget savings and rehabilitation benefits, while opponents warned the measure grants broad discretion to the Board of Pardons and could risk public safety.
The Utah House debated and passed House Bill 57, a committee-sponsored bill to permit an intensive parole-release program administered by the Department of Corrections. Representative Ellenson (the floor presenter) said the measure would allow carefully screened inmates—he and others estimated perhaps 20–25 individuals—to be considered for intensive parole after a short period of incarceration, and that the program could reduce incarceration costs and delay the need for additional prison construction.
Ellenson told members the program would be limited and tightly supervised; he said the Department of Corrections and the Board of Pardons would draft implementing rules and maintain public-safety safeguards. He cited budget figures for incarceration and parole to underscore the cost differential, telling members the state pays roughly between about $46 a day to incarcerate versus about $7 a day on parole in the sponsor's estimates.
Opponents pressed the scope and discretion the bill would grant to the Board of Pardons. Representative Arrington warned repeatedly that the measure "has Willie Horton written all over it," arguing that broad discretion could allow people who committed violent crimes to be released under sentencing technicalities. Members also raised questions about statutory authority, the role of sentencing judges and victims' rights; sponsors said existing victims' notification requirements would remain.
Proponents said the bill targets a narrow class of inmates, emphasizes community reintegration, and could yield significant savings and programmatic benefits if properly implemented with strict rules. After extended debate and multiple questions on eligibility and safeguards, the House voted 56-11 to pass H.B.57; the bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
Next steps: House-passed H.B.57 will proceed to the Senate; implementing rules and definitions (including interaction with the Board of Pardons and victims' notification) will be developed if the bill is enacted.
