Pardons and Paroles

A bill to change the part of the Official Code of Georgia deals with pardons, paroles, and other forms of relief.

• Code of Georgia: These are the rules or laws for the state of Georgia that say what people in Georgia can and cannot do.

• Pardon: a forgiveness card from the state. If someone did something and got punished for it, the government can give them a pardon to say, "We forgive you," and sometimes take away the punishment.

• Parole: a second chance. If someone is in prison but behaves well, they might get out early. They still have to follow rules and check in with someone to stay out of trouble.

This bill lays out how things will go for when someone does not get parole after meeting the requirements  

If passed, this bill will make it so a hearing over a video call where people who could get parole can ask questions is set up.

• hearing: A meeting where people talk about a problem or question to decide what to do. It’s often in a courtroom, and a judge listens to everyone’s side of the story before making a decision.

And, it will make the board submit written findings if the parole month gets delayed

It aims to:

• Let board members know when a many people in power vote against or to delay release from prison.  

• Get rid of any conflicting laws   

If someone racks up the most credits they can in a program for good behavior, or is serving a life sentence and up for parole, they can ask for:  

• Serving a life sentence: When someone has to stay in prison for a very long time, usually for the rest of their life, because they broke a really serious rule. 

• A video call with all board members at least 30 days before the parole date  

• A chance to share info/questions about:  

  • What the person did that broke the law and the process involved  

  • Behavior and completing programs while in prison  

  • Community connections and support for the person  

  • The victim of the crime, their family, and others affected.

  • The stance of the prosecuting attorney and the court  

Write ups by the board have to include:  

• The reasons behind the decision to deny or delay parole  

• Contacts made regarding the person’s release, including how they got in touch.

If three board members vote against parole or delay it a month:  

• The other two members are told and given 14 days to reconsider the decision  

• They can chat and possibly change their votes