Requires third-party comments in parole hearings to be considered and adds confidentiality for victim statements.

This bill amends the executive law and criminal procedure law to ensure that all comments and testimony made by a third party, whether in support or opposition, are considered in parole hearings. It also adds provisions for the confidentiality of victim statements, ensuring that such statements are only available to the parole board for decision-making purposes. The bill specifies that victim impact statements can be submitted in writing, audiotaped, or videotaped and that these statements are confidential.

Requires third-party comments in parole hearings to be considered and adds confidentiality for victim statements.

This bill amends the executive law and criminal procedure law to ensure that all comments and testimony made by a third party, whether in support or opposition, are considered in parole hearings. It also adds provisions for the confidentiality of victim statements, ensuring that such statements are only available to the parole board for decision-making purposes. The bill specifies that victim impact statements can be submitted in writing, audiotaped, or videotaped and that these statements are confidential.