(a) Commissioners and deputy commissioners hearing matters concerning adults under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall have a broad background in criminal justice and an ability for appraisal of adult offenders, the crimes for which those persons are committed, and the evaluation of an individual’s progress toward reformation. Insofar as practicable, commissioners and deputy commissioners shall have a varied interest in adult correction work, public safety, and shall have experience or education in the fields of corrections, sociology, law, law enforcement, medicine, mental health, or education.

(b) All commissioners and deputy commissioners who conduct hearings for the purpose of considering the parole suitability of inmates, the setting of a parole release date for inmates, or the revocation of parole for adult parolees, shall, within 60 days of appointment and annually thereafter undergo a minimum of 40 hours of training in the following areas:

(1) Treatment and training programs provided to inmates at Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation institutions, including, but not limited to, educational, vocational, mental health, medical, substance abuse, psychotherapeutic counseling, and sex offender treatment programs.

(2) Parole services.

(3) Commissioner duties and responsibilities.

(4) Knowledge of laws and regulations applicable to conducting parole hearings, including the rights of victims, witnesses, and inmates.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 33, Sec. 26. (SB 843) Effective June 27, 2016.)