Amendment #25 to H4879

Addressing mental health in the parole process

Mr. Vargas of Haverhill moves to amend the bill by inserting after section 20 the following 2 sections: -

"SECTION 20A. Section 4 of chapter 27 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 2 and 3, the words:- , 1 of whom shall at all times have experience in forensic psychology.

SECTION 20B. Said section 4 of said chapter 27, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the first paragraph the following paragraph:- At all times, at least 3 members of the parole board shall have at least 5 years of experience in one or more of the following fields: psychiatry, psychology, social work, or the treatment of substance use disorder. One of those 3 members must be a licensed mental health professional, as defined in section 1 of chapter 123. If, at any time, the parole board does not have above designated 3 members, then, until the board composition complies with this requirement, every candidate recommended for a parole board position must possess at least 1 of the qualifications listed above. This paragraph applies notwithstanding any other provision of law.";

and by adding the following section:-

“SECTION 69. Sections 20A and 20B shall take effect on January 1, 2023.”

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #25 to H4879

Addressing mental health in the parole process