Testamark Subpoenaed by Senate as Her Absence Affected Bill to Permit Parole for Elderly and Sick Inmates

"Director Wynnie Testamark told me the Medical Director Linda Callwood would be here today to testify." That was Senator Franklin Johnson at the beginning of the second block of Thursday’s meeting of the Senate Committee of Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety. He was describing a recent conversation with the Bureau of Corrections director as he prepared to introduce Bill 35-0045, which would establish medical need, as well as an incarcerated person's geriatric status as valid reasons for parole. The bill is intended to allow for more compassion in the adjudication of parole, as well as reduce costs to the Bureau of Corrections, since all healthcare for incarcerated people is paid for by the state. Minutes before Thursday’s hearing resumed for the afternoon session, however, the 35th Legislature received correspondence from Callwood informing of her absence and instructing lawmakers to invite her testimony through Testamark,  a scenario Committee Chair Senator Kenneth Gittens...