Bill > H2052

This bill aims to reduce mass incarceration by modifying several existing laws related to sentencing and parole for prisoners, particularly those serving life sentences for murder. The bill makes significant changes to parole eligibility, allowing prisoners serving multiple life sentences to become eligible for parole 25 years after the start of their most recent sentence, and removing previous restrictions on parole for prisoners serving life sentences for first-degree murder. For individuals who committed murder between the ages of 14 and 18, the bill introduces more nuanced sentencing guidelines, with minimum terms ranging from 10 to 20 years depending on the specific circumstances of the crime. Additionally, the bill mandates that no person shall be imprisoned for more than 25 years without a parole hearing. A key provision of the bill is the establishment of a mandatory Restorative Justice program within the Department of Corrections, which will be available to prisoners sentenced to more than 25 years. This voluntary program aims to facilitate interaction between prisoners, victims, their families, and community members to understand and reconcile the impact of crimes. The program includes strict confidentiality provisions to ensure that discussions and statements made during the process cannot be used in legal proceedings, encouraging open and meaningful dialogue about harm, accountability, and healing.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2052