Bill > HB1042

This bill, aiming to address sentencing and parole for murder offenses, introduces several key changes to Pennsylvania law. It establishes a new sentencing structure for second-degree murder, allowing for a minimum sentence of 35 years up to life imprisonment, with provisions for life without parole under specific aggravating circumstances, such as the victim being a law enforcement officer or a child under 13, or if the defendant committed rape or involuntary deviate sexual intercourse during the offense. Conversely, it allows for sentencing mitigation if the defendant proves they were not the sole participant, did not solicit the killing, and did not use or believe a deadly weapon would be used. The bill also modifies the definition of "crime of violence" to include second-degree murder and expands the circumstances under which life imprisonment is mandatory for those with prior homicide convictions. Furthermore, it introduces an "earned vocational training and education credit" program, allowing inmates to earn time off their minimum sentence for completing educational and vocational programs, though this credit is excluded for those convicted of serious violent crimes like murder or certain sexual offenses. Finally, the bill creates new parole eligibility for individuals serving life sentences for second-degree murder imposed before a specific date, allowing parole after serving at least 35 years or after 20 years if the offender is 70 or older, with specific exclusions for those who committed particularly heinous crimes. It also enhances victim notification and participation rights in parole hearings for these specific cases.