Bill > HB1490

This bill establishes new provisions for parole hearings specifically for offenders who were adolescents (18-21 years old) when they committed a crime and have been sentenced to 25 years or more. The bill allows these offenders to petition for a parole hearing after serving at least 15 years, provided they are serving their first commitment, have not been sentenced to death, and meet certain rehabilitation criteria. The parole board must review the petition, investigate the offender's rehabilitation efforts through an institutional parole officer (IPO), and conduct a hearing that considers the offender's mental health, maturity, and personal growth. Victims and their families must be notified at least 12 months before the hearing and have the right to provide input. During the hearing, the board will evaluate whether the offender poses a substantial risk of reoffending. If parole is granted, the offender will be required to complete a reentry program and undergo supervised parole (three years for nonviolent offenses, five years for violent offenses, and ten years for life sentences). If parole is initially denied, the offender becomes eligible for subsequent hearings after three and five years, with the board required to provide a written explanation for any denial.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1490&year=2025&code=R