Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Criminal Justice topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate adopts parole amendments with immediate effective date after sponsor cites victims' experience
Summary
Senator McCall successfully moved an amendment making parole-related provisions effective immediately and then moved passage of First Substitute SB 124. The sponsor referenced victims by name and said safeguards exist for parole eligibility tied to efforts to locate remains.
Senator McCall brought First Substitute Senate Bill 124 back to the floor and moved Amendment 1, which changes the bill's effective date to immediate effect. The amendment passed on a voice or roll call and the bill, as amended, was then adopted by the Senate and will be transmitted to the House.
In remarks on the floor, Senator McCall said he had referenced Kipling Davis in prior testimony and clarified that Richard Davis is a longtime friend; he described seeing "the pain and anguish in his eyes" and said that the bill attempts to balance victims' interests with narrow parole safeguards. McCall said that when an individual participates in good faith to help find remains there are opportunities for parole but that without a real effort parole should not be granted for those convicted of murder. After limited further discussion, the sponsor waived summation and the chamber recorded the roll call that resulted in passage.
The amendment and final passage change the timing and application of the parole provisions in the bill; the sponsor described certain safeguards in floor remarks but did not enumerate statutory text on the floor. The bill will next proceed to the House for consideration.
