Florida's Modernization of Parole Act

MODERNIZATION OF PAROLE ACT
An act relating to criminal justice; creating s. 921.007, Fla. Stat. creating the Modernization of Parole Act; providing for the provisions of chapter 947 parole to apply to state prisoners sentenced after June 1, 1983, except those sentenced to death.

s. 921.007, Florida Statutes, Modernization of Parole Act.
(1) The Legislature, in the exercise of its authority and responsibility to establish parole criteria, to provide for the imposition of rehabilitation, and to make the best use of finite state resources and prisons so that criminal offenders are appropriately monitored and rehabilitated. It is in the best interest of the state to develop, implement and revise parole policy by expanding the Corrections Transition Program to all major prison facilities throughout Florida.
(2) The Commission On Offender Review shall release on parole any person confined in Florida state prison when in its opinion there is reasonable probability that the prisoner can be released without detriment to the prisoner or to the community. The prisoner shall be placed on parole only when a commissioner believes that the person is able and willing to fulfill the obligations of a law-abiding citizen, the conditions of parole, and the prisoner has served at least half of imposed prison terms or at least 15 years of terms exceeding 30 years.
(a) Pursuant to this Act:
1. Chapter 947 parole shall apply to all State of Florida prisoners, except those sentenced to death.
2. The commission shall provide prisoners with a list of available programming to complete prior to release on parole within 24 months of enactment of this Act and within 12 months of inception into the Florida Department of Corrections thereafter.
3.The commission shall collaborate with victims and survivors of crime for their help in crafting transformative, in-prison programming for individuals convicted of sexual or violent crimes.
4. The commission in collaboration with the Department of Corrections shall expand the Corrections Transition Program to all major institutions.
5. The commission shall rely less on static factors or subjective criteria and shall establish parole guidelines and validated risk assessments in deciding release on parole.
6. The commission shall provide online public access of decisions including explanation of deviations fro outcomes recommended by parole guidelines and validated risk assessments.