Bill > SB1335

This bill creates a new provision in Missouri state law that establishes parole eligibility criteria for older incarcerated individuals. Specifically, the bill allows offenders who are 65 years or older and have served at least 30 years of their sentence to receive a parole hearing, with the exception of those convicted of first-degree murder. During the parole hearing, the parole board must assess whether the offender is likely to remain law-abiding if released, considering factors such as their institutional conduct, self-rehabilitation efforts, community support, low institutional risk score, and mental health status. If granted parole, the individual would be supervised by the probation and parole division for a minimum of five years or until their sentence expires. If parole is initially denied, the offender becomes eligible for a reconsideration hearing every two years. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that it does not prevent the governor from exercising clemency powers, and it does not override other existing parole considerations. The bill aims to provide a structured pathway for potential release for elderly long-term inmates who meet specific criteria demonstrating rehabilitation and low risk to public safety.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=656