Kan. Gov. Signs Order To Abolish Parole Board

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has signed an executive reorganization order to abolish the state Parole Board and transfer its duties to the state Department of Corrections.

Brownback took the action during a news conference Friday. The move is designed to save the state almost $500,000 a year.

Under the order, the department would set up a three-member review board to determine whether inmates should be released from prison.

Brownback noted that because the state has moved to imposing set prison sentences for crimes, rather than a possible range of time, the number of inmates who are eligible for parole is dwindling.

The order will take effect July 1 unless one chamber of the Legislature rejects it within 60 days.