The Parole Commission meets as a group in a formal hearing to decide whether an offender should be paroled. The commissioners conduct an individual review of the offender's file and vote independently. Offenders apply for or request parole.
Inmates become eligible for parole according to governing laws at the time of the offense.
The Governor can overturn the Parole Commission's decisions. The Commission has exclusive authority in parole matters. There is no appeal process. The Parole Commission meets face to face with the offender during the parole review process. The Commission does not meet with the offender.