An Act relative to parole review for aging incarcerated people

This bill establishes a new parole review process for incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts who are at least 55 years old and have served either half of their sentence or 15 years, whichever comes first. It mandates that the parole board schedule a hearing within 60 days of eligibility, giving special attention to the person's age, long-term confinement, and any physical or mental conditions. The legislation also requires the provision of legal counsel and expert funds for indigent defendants, while prohibiting bias based on race, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the bill directs the parole board to submit an annual report detailing the demographics and outcomes of these hearings to state legislators.