This Bill amends the Joe Coleman Medical Release Act to ensure transparency and fairness in the medical release process for incarcerated individuals. It outlines clear procedural requirements for the Prisoner Review Board (PRB) to follow, prioritizing transparency, public access and accountability.

• Restrictions on Additional Requirements: Prohibits the PRB from imposing restrictions,limitations, or requirements beyond those explicitly provided by the statute governingmedical release.
• Public Notice of Hearings: Once a petitioner is deemed eligible for a medical releasehearing, requires the PRB to: 1.) Publish the petitioner's name, docket number, counsel,and hearing date, and 2.) Ensure timely public access to this information.
• Access to Medical Records: Once a petitioner is deemed eligible for a medical releasehearing, requires the PRB to: 1.) Publish the petitioner's name, docket number, counsel,and hearing date, and 2.) Ensure timely public access to this information.
• Public Hearings by Default: Medical release hearings are public unless the petitionerspecifically requests a non-public hearing. Also, members of the public may attend publichearings without restrictions or limitations.
• Decision Transparency: If an application for medical release is denied, the PRB must:1.) Publish a decision letter detailing the reasons for denial, 2.) Include an explanation ofeach statutory factor considered in the decision, and 3.) Provide the estimated annualcost of the petitioner’s continued incarceration, including medical care costs.

• Public Trust: Clear and open procedures reinforce trust in the medical release process.
• Accountability: Publicly available information ensures the PRB adheres to statutoryguidelines.
• Informed Advocacy: Access to decision letters and cost data enables stakeholders toengage meaningfully in discussions about medical release policies.
• Efficiency: Streamlined, transparent procedures reduce delays and ambiguities,benefiting petitioners and the public alike.