Bill > H2197

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts law regarding parole eligibility for individuals serving life sentences and establishes new guidelines for sentencing habitual criminals. Specifically, it amends a section of Chapter 127 to allow prisoners serving a life sentence, with certain exceptions such as those with first-degree murder convictions or multiple life sentences, to become eligible for parole after 25 years, requiring the parole board to hold a public hearing within 60 days of that milestone. Additionally, it amends Chapter 279 to clarify sentencing for habitual criminals, stating that courts must set both a minimum and maximum prison term, with the minimum term for a life sentence now explicitly set at 25 years, unless an alternative sentence to a house of correction is permitted, in which case the minimum state prison term cannot be less than one year.