HB607 Summary

• Eliminates mandatory life without parole sentence for defendants convicted of a Class A felony with three prior felonies (at least one Class A), giving judges discretion to sentence to either life or life without parole.

• Changes mandatory sentence for trafficking in specified drug quantities from life without parole to life with possibility of parole for cannabis (1,000+ pounds), cocaine (10+ kilos), heroin (10+ grams), and various other controlled substances.

• Maintains enhanced sentencing provisions for habitual offenders with one or more prior Class A felony convictions, requiring mandatory life without parole in those circumstances.

• Adds five-year mandatory minimum sentence (non-suspendable, non-probationable) plus $25,000 fine for possession of a firearm during commission of any trafficking offense covered by the bill.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and gubernatorial approval.