Fewer seriously ill Texas inmates being released on medical paroles
By KELLEY SHANNON
Special Contributor
The Dallas Morning News
Published: 19 February 2012 09:54 PM
AUSTIN — Despite calls to save taxpayer money by releasing seriously ill and aging inmates, Texas' parole board approves only a small portion of eligible prisoners — and so far the approval rate for this fiscal year is lower than usual.
Inmate advocates and some fiscal conservatives cite cost savings as a reason to expand inmate medical releases. Parole board members and prosecutors say they concentrate on public safety, not cost.
"We're looking to see if that person, considering their medical condition, if they are a threat to society," said Rissie Owens, chairwoman of the state Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Board members don't know a prisoner's medical care costs when making their decisions, she said.
