Associated Press
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The state’s Parole Board has passed proposed changes to Department of Corrections regulations, including rules affecting both prisoners and victims of crimes.
The Alaska Dispatch News reports the board voted unanimously on the changes Wednesday during its annual public meeting.
Under the proposed changes, victims would be able to attend parole hearings, which are largely kept secret from the public. Parole Board Executive Director Jeff Edwards says victims could also weigh in when parolees violate release conditions.
Another change would allow the board to make a decision solely based on an inmate’s case file, rather than conducting a new hearing. The board has also proposed a change to how inmates’ risks of re-offending are determined.
The lieutenant governor’s office must now review and approve the new regulation package.