LINCOLN- On Wednesday, the Nebraska Legislature advanced several changes to the state's parole system that Sen. Terrell McKinney, the bill's introducer, said could take the state from imposing punishments to improving lives. Among many changes in the bill, LB631, is the moving of the five-member Board of Parole into the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, which would provide for more oversight.

"The biggest thing, to me, is just making sure the people inside have better outcomes," said McKinney of his proposal. Currently the state's parole board acts largely independently under the Corrections Department's Division of Parole Supervision. If LB631 passes, the director of the department would have full oversight.

Board members consider whether to grant parole during around 1,000 hearings per year, and can be removed for "neglect of duty" should they fail to attend these. LB631 would expand that definition, stating that a board member who misses 12 full days of hearings can be in "neglect of duty." "The Legislature isn't going to sit idle anymore," said McKinney.

For the full article click HERE