Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Friday the release of recommended rule updates for the state's parole process.
Under Executive Order 25-07, the state's department of corrections and parole board launched a watchers group to make proposed rule changes.
These recommendations come as an approach to reduce criminal relapses. This group includes the public, alongside officials from law enforcement, corrections, and the judiciary.
Recommendations from the group include:
- Removal of unnecessary and outdated regulations.
- Updates to the hearing process to allow for up to two delegates, who may provide additional information on rehabilitation efforts or barriers to release.
- Clarification that, under the updated rule, alleged violators have the right to choose a mitigation witness and be represented by an attorney.
- Introduction of a new grid procedure, allowing release without a parole hearing for certain non-violent Class C, D, and E offenses, as well as drug offenses with sentences of up to 20 years. Decisions will be based on validated risk and needs assessments, while cases involving weapons, resisting arrest, parole violations, and similar offenses will continue to require a hearing.
“Our department looks forward to working with the Governor's Office in updating parole rules and bringing greater transparency to parole hearing and revocation processes," Missouri Department of Corrections Director Trevor Foley said in a press release.