The Board of Parole Hearings
The Board of Parole Hearings (BPH), combines the Board of Prison Terms (BPT) the Youth Authority Board and the Narcotic Addict Evaluation Authority.
BPH is comprised of 17 members appointed by the Governor and require confirmation by the Senate. Of the 17 commissioners, 12 hear only adult matters, and five hear only juvenile matters. They receive an annual compensation of $99,693.
BPH considers parole release and establishes the terms and conditions of parole for all persons sentenced in California under the Indeterminate Sentencing Law, persons sentenced to a term of less than life under Penal Code Section 1168 (b), and for persons serving a sentence of life with possibility of parole.
The Board may suspend or revoke the parole of any person under its jurisdiction who has violated parole.
The Board also determines the necessity for rescission or postponement of parole dates for such persons.
BPH also waives parole and may discharge any such person prior to the expiration of the statutory maximum parole period and reports to the Governor on applications for clemency.
The BPH also conducts certification, placement, and parole revocation hearings for mentally disordered offenders and considers requests from foreign born inmates who wish to be transferred to their country of citizenship to serve the remainder of their sentences.
At the request of the Governor, the BPH investigates and makes recommendations on all applications for reprieves, pardons and commutations of sentence, including death penalty commutations. It may also report to the Governor the names of any prisoners who, in its judgment, ought to be considered for reprieve, pardon or commutation. The BPH also has the discretion to recommend to the court that a prisoner's sentence and commitment be recalled and that the prisoner be re-sentenced, such as in situations calling for compassionate release.
The Commissioners convene once a month to conduct a public business meeting. All are open to the public. Most are held in the BPH's Sacramento offices, although meetings are conducted occasionally in other locations to facilitate citizen participation. For those who anticipate testifying at a scheduled meeting and require translation services, please contact BPH’s Executive Office at (916) 445-1539 at least one week prior to the meeting to provide amble time to make arrangements. Meeting agendas are published 10 days in advance of the hearings.
All inquiries should be sent to:
Board of Parole Hearings
Post Office Box 4036
Sacramento, CA 95812-4036
Board of Parole Hearings
Post Office Box 4036
Sacramento, CA 95812-4036
