Updating requirements for parole hearings and notifications

SB 827 updates West Virginia's parole hearing procedures to better include victims and offenders. It requires notifying victims (or their immediate family) of specific serious crimes - like murder, sexual assault, or child abuse - 45 days before parole hearings via certified mail, allowing them to submit written statements or speak at the hearing. The bill also permits offenders to submit written statements and list witnesses to speak during their hearing. These changes apply to cases involving the listed offenses and aim to formalize communication between the Parole Board, victims, and offenders. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.