(1)(a) A committed offender serving an indeterminate sentence under which he or she may become eligible for parole shall be interviewed and have his or her record reviewed by two or more members of the board or a person designated by the board within sixty days before the expiration of his or her minimum term less any reductions as provided in section 83-1,110.

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(b) If the committed offender is a qualified offender as defined in section 83-1,111.01, the committed offender shall enter into a streamlined parole contract as provided in such section.

(2) If the committed offender is a qualified offender, the review shall be limited to verifying that the committed offender is a qualified offender and whether the committed offender has already fulfilled the streamlined parole contract. If the committed offender has not yet fulfilled the streamlined parole contract, a subsequent review shall be set for the date the committed offender will fulfill the streamlined parole contract, assuming the committed offender will meet the requirements of subsection (3) of section 83-1,111.01.

(3)(a) This subsection applies if the committed offender is not a qualified offender or has been found at a review under subsection (2) of this section to have not fulfilled the terms of the streamlined parole contract. If, in the opinion of the reviewers, the review indicates the offender is reasonably likely to be granted parole and has a potential parole term of no less than one month, the board shall schedule a public hearing before a majority of its members. At such hearing the offender may present evidence, call witnesses, and be represented by counsel. If, in the opinion of the reviewers, the review indicates the offender should be denied parole, the offender may request an additional review by a majority of the members of the board. A review by the majority of the members of the board may be conducted not more than once annually. Any hearing and review shall be conducted in an informal manner, but a complete record of the proceedings shall be made and preserved.

(b) The board shall render its decision regarding the committed offender’s release on parole within a reasonable time after the hearing or review. The decision shall be by majority vote of the board. The decision shall be based on the entire record before the board which shall include the opinion of the person who conducted the review. If the board denies parole, written notification listing the reasons for such denial and the recommendations for correcting deficiencies which cause the denial shall be given to the committed offender within thirty days following the hearing.

(c) If the board fixes the release date, such date shall be not more than six months from the date of the committed offender’s parole hearing or from the date of last reconsideration of his or her case, unless there are special reasons for fixing a later release date.

(d) If the board defers the case for later reconsideration, the committed offender shall be afforded a parole review at least once a year until a release date is fixed. The board may order a reconsideration or a rehearing of the case at any time.

(4) The release of a committed offender on parole shall not be upon the application of the offender but by the initiative of the board. No application for release on parole made by a committed offender or on his or her behalf shall be entertained by the board. This subsection does not prohibit the Director of Correctional Services from recommending to the board that it consider an individual offender for release on parole.