January 5, 2015. The Montana legislative session has begun. Five reform bills related to the Board of Pardons and Parole will be evaluated and voted on this session. Each bill will be reviewed first by the Judiciary Committee before being addressed by the full House of Representatives.
January 5, 2015
The McDonald bill fills a small but important gap in our Montana constitution.
The sole purpose of our prison system is to reform criminals so that they can re-enter society. It is a legacy that we cannot deny, or alter.
Barry A. Beach was tried, after he had become an adult, for a horrendous crime tht happened when he was a minor. His original guilt or innocence is totally irrevelant; as he has served thirty years for the crime, and has proven beyond any doubt that he is eligible to return to society in a productive lifestyle. Our society is best served with Beach on the outside, among us, yet current Montana law does not allow it, because he has not admitted guilt.
The McDonald bill will not automatically grant Barry Beach’s freedom, nor will it open the doors for any future coddling of criminals. It is a very narrow window of opportunity that defines Montana as a caring and forgiving society. Specifically, it provides a very narrow pathway for special prisoners like Barry Beach, to go beyond the normal legal processes and appeal directly to our governor for clemency, based on time served and worthwhile contribution.
If the McDonald bill passes, Barry Beach could very well be my next-door-neighbor next year, which I would be quite comfortable with.