Bill > S681

This bill expands the Mutual Agreement Parole Program (MAPP) to allow inmates sentenced to life imprisonment without parole to be eligible for potential release after meeting specific requirements. Under the new law, eligible inmates must first undergo a comprehensive five-year assessment of their behavioral, educational, and occupational needs. After this initial period, inmates can be offered a 15-year MAPP contract, which requires them to complete mandatory education programs, such as obtaining a GED or vocational trade certification, and participate in work programs through Correction Enterprises or the Inmate Construction Program. Inmates must maintain favorable work evaluations and can potentially be transferred to minimum custody or work release. If successfully completing these requirements, inmates can be considered for parole after serving a minimum of 20 years, with a potential five-year parole term. The bill applies both retroactively and prospectively, meaning inmates who have already served 20 or more years by August 1, 2025, may also be eligible for a modified MAPP contract. If an inmate fails to earn parole or violates parole conditions, they will remain imprisoned for life or be ineligible for parole for an additional five years. The law is set to take effect on August 1, 2025.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S681