Governor Sam Brownback has signed an executive order that would abolish the Kansas Parole Board. The duties of paroling inmates would now fall under the Department of Corrections. Newly appointed Secretary of Corrections Ray Roberts says he believes the department can handle the new duties.
Brownback says abolishing the Parole Board could save the state around 500 thousand dollars per year. Fewer than 600 of the state’s 8 thousand inmates are eligible for parole. Most inmates were sentenced under newer laws that require set prison terms. The order is slated to take effect July 1st. Either chamber in the Legislature can reject the order within 60 days.