Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the opportunity for parole for inmates that are aged 65 and older.

Highlights:

• Specifies that incarcerated individuals who meet the following requirements shall receive a parole hearing upon serving 30 years or more of their sentence, these requirements shall defined as the following (Sec. 1):

• Is incarcerated in a correctional facility after being sentenced by a court;

• Is serving a sentence of life without parole for a minimum of 50 years or more;

• Is 65 years of age or older;

• Has no conviction for a dangerous felony; and

• Is not a convicted sex offender.

• Specifies that if the parole board determines that the offender can live and remain at liberty without violating the law upon release, the offender will be eligible for release as long as they meet the following requirements (Sec. 2):

• Has a record of good conduct while incarcerated;

• Demonstrated self-rehabilitation while incarcerated;

• Has a workable parole plan, including community and family support;

• Has an institutional risk factor score no higher than one; and

• Has a mental health score of one, two, or three.

• Requires that any offender granted parole under this act be subject to a minimum 5 years of supervision (Sec. 3).

• Establishes that if the board does not grant parole to a qualified offender eligible under this act then the board shall have a reconsideration hearing every 2 years (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text