Partners for Our Children

Sponsored by Senator Hargrove, SB 5064 states that a person convicted of aggravated first degree murder for a murder committed before that person was 18 years old will be sentenced to a maximum of life in prison without the possibility of parole and a minimum of 30 years of confinement. For those who do not receive a life sentence, total earned release time may not exceed ten percent of the sentence. In addition, people with this sentence are not eligible for any kind of authorized leave or absence from the correctional facility, such as work release. (Exceptions are made for medical emergencies and extraordinary medical circumstances.) No later than 180 days before a person is scheduled to be released, their case will be reviewed to determine whether that release will occur. The determination will be made based on an examination of the person, which will inform a prediction of future dangerousness and the likelihood of the person re-offending. As part of the review, victims and their survivors may present statements. If the person is released, they will be subject to the supervision of the department for life. Anyone who was sentenced to life without parole before June 1, 2013 for an offense committed before their eighteenth birthday will be returned to the sentencing court for the setting of a minimum term, which may range from thirty years to a sentence of life without parole.

Substitute bill:  As amended, SB 5064 clarifies that a sentence of life without the possibility of parole applies to persons age 18 or older.