Created by statute, the Michigan Parole Board is the sole paroling authority for felony offenders committed to the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Corrections. The board also acts in an advisory capacity to the governor for all executive clemency matters.

In 1992, Governor John Engler ordered a reorganization of the Parole Board and signed into law statutory changes to accomplish this reorganization. The primary goal of the reorganization was to increase public safety by minimizing the number of dangerous and assaultive prisoners being placed on parole. Another goal was to make the Parole Board more accountable to both the governor and the public.

Current board membership consists of ten full-time, non-Civil Service employees who are appointed by the director of the Department of Corrections. Their backgrounds are varied and include law enforcement, law, corrections and social work.