Story perspectives

California Parole Board's Flawed Tests Endanger Addiction Treatment

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The California parole board relies on unreliable drug test results in parole decisions.
A history of false positives in these tests affects access to life-saving addiction treatment for incarcerated individuals.
State-appointed attorneys report due process violations because medical records are not disclosed before hearings.
The parole board denied Phil Stamps parole despite evidence suggesting false positives.
Critics say these practices undermine trust in treatment programs and worsen the opioid crisis.

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Story summary

The California parole board relies on unreliable drug test results in parole decisions.
A history of false positives in these tests affects access to life-saving addiction treatment for incarcerated individuals.
State-appointed attorneys report due process violations because medical records are not disclosed before hearings.
The parole board denied Phil Stamps parole despite evidence suggesting false positives.
Critics say these practices undermine trust in treatment programs and worsen the opioid crisis.