On Monday, July 18th, the Massachusetts legislature voted on the state’s budget, which was passed by both the House and Senate. The budget currently sits before Governor Baker for his final approval. There are multiple items in this year’s budget that will improve the lives of incarcerated people and their families in Massachusetts. PLS is […]
The First Step For Mass. Commission On Parole And Racism? Figuring Out The Right Questions To Ask
THE FIRST STEP FOR MASS. COMMISSION ON PAROLE AND RACISM? FIGURING OUT THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO ASK July 15, 2021GBHBy Craig LeMoult A commission tasked with examining structural racism in Massachusetts’ parole system has a lot of questions it needs answered. In its second virtual meeting, the commission Thursday heard from a Columbia University expert […]
Parole board nominee rips council at rowdy meeting
MassLive June 21st, 2019 By Matt Murphy / STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE Opposition among members of the Governor’s Council to putting another prosecutor on the Parole Board could derail Gov. Charlie Baker’s newest nominee, who chastised the council at her recent confirmation hearing and openly contemplated withdrawing. Baker nominated Springfield District Court chief prosecutor Karen […]
Parole board still slow to release inmates 8 years after ex-convict killed officer, critics say
Boston Globe June 26, 2018 By Maria Cramer Dominic Cinelli was one year out of prison and on parole when he shot and killed a police officer the day after Christmas in 2010. Since then, the number of people released on parole has remained consistently low, the state parole board has been stacked with members […]
Disability laws apply to prisoners seeking parole, SJC rules
May 16, 2017 Boston Globe By John R. Ellement The state’s highest court Monday extended the Americans with Disabilities Act to mentally and physically disabled prisoners seeking parole, ruling that the state must help them get support systems in place in the community. The Supreme Judicial Court, in a unanimous ruling, wrote that the federal […]