Bill > SB215

This bill establishes a Special Committee on Parole for Non-unanimous Jury Convictions within the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to provide a pathway for post-conviction relief for individuals convicted by a jury verdict that was not unanimous. This committee, composed of retired judges, a former prosecutor, and a former public defender, will review applications from incarcerated individuals who allege their conviction resulted from a non-unanimous jury. The committee will determine if the non-unanimous verdict led to a "miscarriage of justice," considering factors like juror votes to acquit, the strength of the state's case, and the length of deliberations. If a miscarriage of justice is found, the committee can grant parole, with the terms of release determined by the committee. Applications must be filed within one year of the bill's effective date, and the provisions of this section will terminate three years after the effective date.