Fran Hodgins

The Parole Board held a staff meeting to discuss new directives regarding release requirements for individuals with release sensitive notification (RSN) status. Key topics included the implementation of a 10-business-day review period for residence investigations to ensure proper notification of law enforcement and the governor's office, and a briefing on new criteria for risk containment cases. Additionally, the Board welcomed a new member and discussed the administrative processes for onboarding.

The meeting centered on discussions regarding the procurement of separate legal counsel for the Parole Board, the challenges of collaborating with the Department of Corrections (DOC), and the need for improved consistency in documentation and forms. Key topics included the status of record checks, the necessity of education on risk assessments for board members, and potential adjustments to the parole hearing process. Additionally, the legal counsel provided an update on litigation, specifically regarding the application of the Administrative Procedures Act to parole decisions and ongoing coordination with the judiciary for arrest warrant procedures.

The board discussed legal transitions regarding the appointment of a new attorney to serve as primary counsel, aiming to provide more independent legal guidance. Key agenda items included the development of a procedural manual and a violation matrix to standardize board operations. The board also reviewed pending open meeting law bills, S.59 and H.145, specifically focusing on how these legislative proposals impact governance and policy meetings versus quasi-judicial proceedings. Emphasis was placed on the board's need for clearer statutory carve-outs to protect sensitive case information and maintain orderly hearing processes.

The meeting included a review of legislative updates regarding bill H.559 and discussions on Department of Corrections policies concerning Risk Containment and RSN designations. The board addressed concerns regarding cases with pending out-of-state charges and non-extraditable warrants, and received updates on the search for a new Board Chair. Additionally, the session included a review of cases with SDMF coding discrepancies and the board transitioned into an executive session.

The board conducted a series of parole hearings, parole violation reviews, and a condition modification review. Additionally, the agenda included record reviews for multiple individuals.