Governor Kehoe Announces Recommended Updates for Missouri's Parole Process

OCTOBER 3, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the release of recommended rule updates for Missouri's parole process, following a comprehensive review of existing rules by a working group of stakeholders.

Under the direction of Governor Kehoe's Executive Order 25-07, signed during the Safer Missouri launch on day one of his administration, the Missouri Department of Corrections and the Missouri Parole Board assembled a working group to develop proposed rule changes. The working group consisted of representatives of law enforcement, corrections, the judiciary, and the public.

“Parole plays a crucial role in the Missouri criminal justice system, balancing offender rehabilitation with public safety,” said Governor Kehoe. “We will now review these recommendations to see how Missouri can continue to refine its approach to offender management and increase accountability, with the goal of safeguarding public safety while also promoting successful reintegration and reducing recidivism.”

The executive order directed the working group to provide the Missouri Parole Board with recommendations for amendments to the existing rules and any proposed new rulemakings with the goal of providing clarity, transparency, and accountability for the parole process.

The review found that several updates were needed to comply with state statute, including updating minimum parole eligibility requirements to reflect the current “blue book.”

The working group's review also includes recommendations to:

  • Remove unnecessary and outdated regulations.
  • Update the hearing process to allow for up to two delegates, who may provide additional information on rehabilitation efforts or barriers to release.
  • Clarify that, under the updated rule, alleged violators have the right to attorney representation and to mitigation witnesses chosen by the individual.
  • Introduce a new grid procedure, allowing release without a parole hearing for certain non-violent Class C, D, and E offenses, as well as drug offenses with sentences of up to 20 years. Decisions will be based on validated risk and needs assessments, while cases involving weapons, resisting arrest, parole violations, and similar offenses will continue to require a hearing.

“It is critical to establish uniform policy in parole decision-making, while also allowing for individual case considerations," said Director Trevor Foley, Missouri Department of Corrections. “Our department looks forward to working with the Governor's Office in updating parole rules and bringing greater transparency to parole hearing and revocation processes."

For more information on the parole board licensing and regulation findings, click.
 

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