Bill > S1087

This bill aims to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults by establishing a new legal category called "transformational youth" that includes individuals who were between 14 and 21 years old when they committed certain serious offenses like first- or second-degree murder or manslaughter. The bill creates a process for automatically terminating parole for these individuals after they have successfully completed three years on parole without committing any new felonies or misdemeanors. Under the new provisions, a parole officer must submit a notice to the parole board after three years, and the board must then vote in an open session to issue a certificate of termination of sentence. The bill applies retroactively, meaning it covers individuals who are already on parole and were sentenced under previous laws. When a certificate of termination is issued, copies must be provided to the transformational youth, the sentencing judge or regional administrative justice, and other specified parties like certified CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) petitioners and victims. This legislation represents a significant reform in how the criminal justice system treats young offenders, recognizing that individuals who commit crimes at a young age may have greater potential for rehabilitation and should not be subject to lifelong parole.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1087