A. Simply stated, parole in Florida is broken. When the U. S. Supreme Court ordered Florida to give juvenile offenders a meaningful opportunity for release if they haven't killed anyone in 2010, the legislature rejected parole as a means of compliance because they recognized that parole in Florida does not provide a meaningful opportunity for release. Instead, they provided for judicial review. That is the model for our proposed statute.

The parole commission boasts about the 02.5% 3-year recidivism rate as proof of parole's effectiveness. However, no one goes back to prison because no one gets out. There are approximately 3,800 parole-eligible people sentenced under earlier laws in Florida prisons (2025). FCOR, the parole commission, typically releases 20-30 people a year. All have served AT LEAST 30 years. That means after serving 30 years the average person has an average probably of about 01.5% of being released on parole. It's a pipe dream.

A. The exponential increase in elderly inmates in Florida is primarily due to the elimination of parole in 1983, which effectively turned life sentences into sentences until death. This, coupled with lengthy mandatory minimum sentences and the general aging of the population, means inmates are staying incarcerated much longer, aging within the system. People in their 50s in prison often experience chronic health conditions typically seen in people in their 70s outside of prison.

A. The FDC faces a myriad of challenges, including complex medical needs such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and respiratory issues. Elderly inmates also experience increased rates of mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and dementia, along with cognitive and sensory impairments that hinder their ability to manage daily life within the prison environment. Functional limitations due to reduced mobility and physical frailty also require special accommodations. The cost of healthcare for elderly inmates is also significantly higher than for younger inmates.

A. The Elderly Inmate Release Act (HB-0000, SB-000) is a proposed piece of legislation that would allow inmates who are at least 50 years old, have served at least 10 years of their sentence, and have at least 10 more years to serve to petition the court for a sentence modification. If they can demonstrate rehabilitation and no threat to society, the court can hold a hearing to consider their release, with a mandatory term of at least three years of probation. This act also applies retroactively.

A. The FDC has implemented several strategies, including geriatric care units, which provide enhanced care with specialized staff. They also provide routine and specialized medical services and mental health support, and offer rehabilitation programs tailored to the needs of elderly inmates. Facility modifications include handrails, ramps, modified showers, lower bunk assignments, wheelchair access, and dedicated units near medical facilities. The FDC also provides training to its staff on topics such as geriatric care, dementia care, and palliative care.

A. Elderly inmates are more expensive due to their greater need for medical care. They often have multiple chronic health conditions requiring more frequent interventions, specialized equipment, higher medication needs, and more staff hours. For example, the average healthcare cost per elderly inmate is about four times higher than that of an inmate under 50. The costs for medications and other associated costs are significantly greater too.

A. Elderly inmates are much less likely to commit new crimes upon release compared to younger inmates, reducing the risk of recidivism and, therefore, of increased public danger. Releasing these inmates, especially those who are rehabilitated, can also significantly reduce the financial burden of the state by allowing them to receive Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and Veterans Affairs benefits which they are ineligible for whilst incarcerated. These programs can provide for their support and care.

A. Reentry programs and partnerships with community organizations are crucial for successfully transitioning elderly inmates back into society. These programs provide resources such as help with housing, job placement, access to mental and physical healthcare, and necessary support services that are necessary for successful reintegration. Partnerships with universities, medical centers and non-profits can provide seamless care and supervision which are necessary for the success of formerly incarcerated people.

A. Areas for improvement include increasing specialized medical staffing, enhancing staff training in geriatric care, improving prison facilities to accommodate mobility issues, expanding rehabilitation programs, and strengthening collaboration with community organizations to facilitate reentry. There should also be additional focus on preventative care, telemedicine services and improved mental health services for elderly inmates. Additionally, reviews of early release programs and compassionate release criteria, as well as more innovative housing options should be explored.