Required reporting of parolees; alternative to in-person meetings

A. A probation and parole officer who supervises a parolee shall schedule meetings, which are required as a condition of an individual's release, at such times and locations that take into consideration and accommodate the work schedule of a parolee who is employed by another person or entity. B. To comply with the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, in lieu of requiring the parolee to appear in-person for the required reporting or meetings, the probation and parole officer may utilize technology portals, including cellular telephone and other electronic communication devices, that allow simultaneous voice and video communication in real time between the parolee and the probation and parole officer. Such technology may also be used for required reporting or meetings of a parolee who is self-employed at the discretion of the parolee's probation and parole officer and in accordance with any rules promulgated by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections pursuant to this Section. C. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall promulgate rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the provisions of this Section. The rules promulgated by the department pursuant to this Section shall include but are not limited to minimum standards and guidelines for the authorized technology and how it may be used as well as standards for determining the eligibility and suitability of parolees to meet their reporting requirements through the use of such technology. The eligibility and suitability standards shall include consideration of the severity of the parolee's underlying criminal conviction and the parolee's criminal history, supervision level, and past supervision history.