The Parole Board's primary mission is to evaluate prison inmates' eligibility for parole and determine whether they can safely be reintroduced to society. In addition, the Board supervises parolees and sets conditions of release unique to each individual. Supervision includes unannounced home and work visits, random drug testing, and continuous evaluation of the progress of each parolee.

Objectives

In Fiscal Year 1999, the Parole Board will institute a new parole supervision fee requiring all parolees to pay a fee to help cover the cost of their supervision. Revenue generated from this fee will allow the Parole Board to conduct an intensive drug testing program for all parolees, enabling more effective enforcement of the terms of their parole.

Budget Recommendations

The amount recommended for Fiscal Year 1999 includes an additional $700,000 for an intensive drug testing program that will be fully funded by the newly created parole supervision fee.

Budgetary Direct Appropriations

PAROLE BOARD
8950-0001	For the operation of the parole board	13,270,423

VICTIM AND WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
8950-0002	For the victim and witness assistance program of the parole board	187,076
	Victim and Witness Assistance Fund 100%

Budgetary Retained Revenues

PAROLE FEE RETAINED REVENUE
8950-0012	The parole board is hereby authorized to expend an amount not to exceed $700,000 for the operation of a drug testing program for parolees, from revenues collected from parolee fees authorized by section 128 of chapter 127 of the General Laws, as amended by section 74; provided, that the costs of implementing said fees may be charged to this item	700,000