The lashon quoted above from wsj is entirely correct.
Though incomplete and therefore misleading.
The parole board indeed has to consider and then decide if he shall be granted parole.
The law as charliehall quoted merely establishes the criteria which are to be considered. These criteria are all apparently the lack of certain negative actions of the prisoner. If he meets those criteria in their opinion, then the parole will take place. The judgement of the board, who must evaluate these criteria is at least partially subjective. The parole, though seemingly likely, is NOT automatic.