Risk Assessment Guidelines for Parole Release Decision-Making (language only)

Item 49 #1s

Language
Page 25, at the beginning of line 28, insert "A.".
Page 25, following line 32, insert:
"B. On or before August 1, 2010,the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission shall publish in the Virginia Register proposed evidence-based risk assessment guidelines designed to inform all discretionary parole and geriatric release decisions made by the Virginia Parole Board.  Such proposal shall be accompanied by an evaluation of those evidence-based risk assessment tools then in use or under consideration by other paroling authorities, including an analysis of both static and dynamic risk factors.  On or before December 1, 2010, and following at least thirty (30) days notice and opportunity to comment on such proposal by interested members of the public, the Commission shall adopt and publish in the Virginia Register final risk assessment guidelines.  Such guidelines shall be applied by the Virginia Parole Board in the course of all discretionary and geriatric release decisions."

Explanation
(This amendment directs the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission to develop risk assessment guidelines to inform discretionary parole and geriatric release decisions made by the Virginia Parole Board. This is one of a series of amendments to enable the criminal justice system to manage its workload effectively during a period of severe budget reductions.)