Bill > HB1151

This bill introduces provisions for potentially reducing criminal sentences for certain long-term inmates who were young at the time of their offense. Specifically, the bill allows a sentencing court to reduce a life sentence without parole or a sentence of 30 years or more to a life sentence with potential parole eligibility, if three key conditions are met: the convicted person has served at least 30 years in corrections, was under 20 years old when the crime was committed, and has demonstrated significant rehabilitation efforts. These rehabilitation efforts include successfully completing programs like substance abuse treatment, vocational training, and educational courses, as well as exhibiting exemplary behavior in the correctional facility. If an offender receives such a sentence reduction, they must also meet additional requirements for parole, including providing five statements from corrections employees about their institutional behavior, obtaining 20 community resident statements of support, and presenting a detailed home reentry plan. Furthermore, if granted parole, the individual would be supervised by the division of probation and parole for the remainder of their life. This bill appears aimed at providing a second chance for individuals who committed serious crimes at a young age and have shown substantial personal growth and rehabilitation during long-term incarceration.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1151&year=2025&code=R