SB1560: Relating to early medical release from custody; declaring an emergency.

Legislative Summary

The Act creates the Task Force on Compassionate Medical Release. The Act directs the task force to submit a report to the legislature by December 31, 2024. The Act takes effect when it is signed by the Governor. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.3). [Digest: The Act creates a process by which adults in custody can apply for early medical release from custody. The Act creates a new committee under the parole board that reviews applications and decides when to recommend release. The Act takes effect on the 91st day after sine die. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.1).] [Establishes the Medical Release Advisory Committee within the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision. Specifies the qualifications of members of the committee. Establishes procedures by which adults in custody may apply for early medical release from custody and standards by which the committee recommends release. Establishes a cap on the number of applications per month that the committee may consider until January 1, 2027. Provides for appointment of an attorney upon a release recommendation from the committee.] [Directs the board to accept a release recommendation from the committee unless the applicant poses a danger to another person or the public that outweighs compassionate reasons for release. Directs the board to refer an applicant to the sentencing court for sentences requiring court authorization for early medical release.] [Establishes procedures for the sentencing court to consider a motion authorizing early medical release and enter a supplemental judgment.] [Directs the Department of Corrections to inform adults in custody concerning the early medical release process and ensure that application forms are available to all adults in custody. Authorizes the department to directly refer adults in custody to the committee for early medical release. Directs the department to refer to the committee certain adults in custody with terminal illness. Specifies the release process when early medical release is ordered or authorized.] [Directs the committee to annually report data concerning early medical release to the committees of Legislative Assembly related to the judiciary.] [Prohibits a prosecuting attorney from conditioning a plea offer on a waiver of early medical release eligibility.] [Increases the maximum number of board members from five to six.] [Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.] Establishes the Task Force on Compassionate Medical Release. Directs the task force to submit a report with findings and recommendations for legislation to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the judiciary by December 31, 2024. Sunsets on January 2, 2025. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.