Resolution would require a study of Pennsylvania's parole system

The Joint State Government Commission would study Pennsylvania parole and send reform recommendations to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees. The study would cover Pennsylvania's parole decisions, responses to parole violations, release options, and preparation for returning to the community. The study would compare decisions for people with similar offenses but different backgrounds and examine how well preparation for release works. It would examine possible limits on returning people to custody for breaking parole rules, such as breaking curfew, and possible increases in credit for time served. It would assess parole for people over 55 and possible state savings. It would also assess simpler parole procedures for people with low-level offenses and a low risk of committing another crime. It would review other states' policies that balance public safety, victims' rights, and people's return to their communities. The study would not itself change parole rules. The report would be due no later than 18 months after the House adopts the resolution.