Bill > HB2002

This bill modifies Arizona's laws regarding parole eligibility for individuals sentenced to life imprisonment, primarily by repealing two existing sections of law (13-716 and 13-718) and amending sections related to terrorism charges and parole classification. Specifically, the bill changes language in the terrorism sentencing statute to remove references to sections being repealed and modifies parole eligibility rules for life sentences. The bill clarifies that persons sentenced to life imprisonment (but not natural life) who commit felony offenses on or after January 1, 1994, can be eligible for parole under certain conditions. For individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses, the bill maintains strict sentencing guidelines, including potential life or natural life sentences, with natural life sentences specifically precluding any form of early release or commutation. The legislation also updates technical language in the parole eligibility certification system, including a minor grammatical correction in the text regarding recertification timeframes. The overall effect is to streamline and slightly modify the state's approach to parole eligibility for certain long-term criminal sentences.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83531