Bill > HB802

This bill amends Georgia laws to provide special considerations in sentencing and parole for defendants who were under 18 years of age when they committed a crime. Specifically, the bill: 1) Prohibits the imposition of the death penalty or life without parole for defendants under 18 at the time of the crime, and requires courts to consider mitigating factors in sentencing these youthful offenders. 2) Provides for retroactive parole consideration for inmates serving sentences for crimes committed before age 18, requiring the parole board to consider how youthful offenders differ from adults and provide them a meaningful opportunity for release based on demonstrated rehabilitation. 3) Establishes parole eligibility timelines for inmates convicted of crimes committed before age 18 - 25 years for murder, and 15 years for other offenses, unless they are already eligible for earlier parole. 4) Requires the parole board to reconsider inmates denied parole under this law at least every three years.