HB 254 Summary

• Lowers the theft threshold from $1,000 to $750 for second-degree theft, and from $1,000 to $250 for third-degree theft, while removing automatic inflation adjustments.

• Creates new felony charge of "misconduct involving a controlled substance in the second degree" for manufacturing methamphetamine and related offenses involving precursor chemicals.

• Increases minimum sentence for first-degree murder from 30 to 20 years and expands sentencing ranges for class A and B felonies with enhanced minimums.

• Eliminates "administrative parole" release mechanism and modifies parole eligibility criteria, requiring prisoners to serve longer portions of sentences before discretionary parole consideration.

• Removes good-time sentence credit for time spent in treatment programs, private residences, or under electronic monitoring; repeals section 193 of chapter 36, SLA 2016.