Second Chances Resource Library

Iowa does not have any compassionate release laws allowing for early release of incarcerated individuals due to serious or terminal medical conditions or advanced age. However, an individual’s health may be a factor when considering “regular” parole. This memo provides additional information about this.

Indiana provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with serious medical conditions through Special Medical Clemency and to eligible individuals with terminal illnesses through the Temporary Leave program. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Illinois provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with terminal illnesses and certain medical conditions through Medical Release. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of this program, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Idaho provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with serious medical conditions through Medical Parole. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of this program, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Hawaii provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with debilitating or terminal medical conditions through its Medical Release program. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of this program, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Georgia provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with terminal illnesses through its Medical Reprieve program. In addition, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles has the authority to grant Parole Due to Disability or Advanced Age, although there is no publicly available information provided on the process the Board uses for granting paroles under that provision. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Florida provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals who are permanently incapacitated or terminally ill through (1) Conditional Medical Release and (2) Medical Furlough (also referred to as a “Type A” Furlough). This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

The District of Columbia provides three forms of compassionate release to incarcerated individuals with serious medical conditions and incarcerated individuals who are older: Compassionate Release, Medical and Geriatric Suspension of Sentence, and Medical and Geriatric Parole. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Delaware provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with serious mental or physical conditions under two separate laws:

• Eligible individuals serving sentences for crimes committed on or after June 30, 1999, may be considered for Sentence Modification Due to Illness or Infirmity.
• Eligible individuals serving sentences for crimes committed before June 30, 1999, (sometimes referred to as “old law prisoners”) may be considered for Medical Parole.

This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Connecticut provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with serious medical conditions under three separate laws: (1) Medical Parole, (2) Compassionate Parole Release, and (3) Nursing Home Release. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.