Senator Jaha Howard

Dear Ms. Adkins,Thank you for contacting Senator Howard and for taking the time to share your concerns regarding transparency and reporting by the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles.Senator Howard deeply cares about ensuring that individuals in Georgia’s correctional system are treated fairly, justly, and humanely, while also maintaining a strong commitment to public safety. He appreciates you bringing these concerns regarding parole decisions, reporting, and the Board’s age-62 authority to his attention.The State Board of Pardons and Paroles currently publishes annual reports containing information about its parole decisions and other activities. These reports, including reports dating back to FY2001, are available to the public on the Board’s website. You may review them here: Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles – Annual Reports: https://pap.georgia.gov/office-communications-news-publications-and-events/publications/annual-reportsThe Board also provides information regarding parole consideration, eligibility, and its policies on its website, including its Parole Handbook and information concerning the constitutional age exception you referenced.Senator Howard is looking more deeply into the issues you raised, including the Board’s existing reporting requirements and the questions surrounding the age-62 constitutional authority.Because the Governor plays an important role in the appointment and oversight structure of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, you may also wish to share your concerns directly with the Governor’s Office. Additionally, the Senate Committee on Government Oversight may be an appropriate legislative body to contact regarding broader questions of agency accountability and reporting requirements.Thank you again for bringing this matter to Senator Howard’s attention. We appreciate your advocacy and will keep your concerns in mind as the Senator continues to examine this issue.Sincerely,[Seal 1]Riley Spencer Legislative Assistant Office: 404-463-7788 Coverdell Legislative Office Building 18 Capitol Square, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Dear Ms. Adkins,Thank you for taking the time to write and for sharing such a detailed account of your concerns. Senator Howard takes these matters very seriously, and he deeply cares about the safety, dignity, and accountability of Georgia’s correctional system. We appreciate you bringing these concerns to his attention and understand why the circumstances you described are deeply troubling.As we begin looking into the issues you raised, I wanted to ask whether you followed the 2024 Senate Study Committee on the Department of Corrections and its work leading up to the committee’s final report. The committee examined a number of issues related to Georgia’s correctional system and adopted recommendations in its final report.If you are familiar with the study committee’s work, could you share your thoughts on what remedies or changes ultimately came from the recommendations in that report? In particular, we would be interested in hearing whether you believe any of the committee’s recommendations were implemented and, if so, whether you believe they have been effective.For our office to properly verify your constituent status and follow up with you, could you also provide your full mailing address and the best phone number to reach you? Or are you with a particular advocacy organization?Thank you again for bringing this matter to Senator Howard’s attention. We appreciate your willingness to engage with our office and provide additional information as we work to better understand the concerns you have raised.Blessings,Office of Senator Jaha Howard[Seal 1]Riley Spencer Legislative Assistant Office: 404-463-7788 Coverdell Legislative Office Building 18 Capitol Square, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Dear Ms. Adkins,Thank you for contacting our office and for taking the time to share your concerns regarding staffing, reporting, and conditions within Georgia’s correctional system.We appreciate you bringing these matters to our attention. The concerns you raised involve complex issues of corrections policy, agency operations, and legislative oversight. Our office will take your comments under consideration as we continue to review issues affecting Georgia’s correctional system and the communities we represent.Thank you again for reaching out and for providing the information and resources related to your concerns. Please feel free to contact our office if you have additional information or updates you would like us to be aware of.Sincerely,[Seal 1]Riley Spencer Legislative Assistant Office: 404-463-7788 Coverdell Legislative Office Building 18 Capitol Square, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30334