Bill > H1977

This bill addresses sentencing for individuals involved in murder through joint venture, introducing more proportionate punishments for those who are not the principal perpetrators of a killing. The legislation creates a new legal category called "Accomplice Murder" which allows for a less severe sentencing range of 2.5 to 25 years in state prison for individuals who aided in a killing but did not directly commit the murder. The bill establishes a comprehensive process for individuals previously convicted under joint venture murder theories to petition for resentencing, including requirements for notification, petition filing, and court hearings. Prosecutors must provide notification to incarcerated individuals within 90-120 days of the law's passage, and petitioners can request to have their murder convictions vacated if they meet specific conditions. The court will then determine eligibility for resentencing, with the burden of proof on the prosecution to prove the petitioner is ineligible. If granted, the individual will receive credit for time served and may be subject to up to three years of parole supervision. Additionally, the Office of the Attorney General must collect and annually report detailed statistics about these petitions, including information about the petitioners' race, ethnicity, and gender. The law applies retroactively to individuals charged or convicted before, on, or after the law's effective date.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1977