AR HB1197

Eliminates life without parole as a sentencing option for defendants under 18 years old convicted of capital murder, replacing it with life imprisonment with possibility of parole after minimum 30 years (if defendant caused or had purpose to cause death) or 20 years (if defendant did not cause death).

Requires comprehensive mental health evaluations by licensed adolescent mental health professionals for minors sentenced to life imprisonment, to be conducted before entry into the Department of Correction.

Creates new parole eligibility standards for minors: those convicted of nonhomicide offenses eligible for parole after 20 years; those convicted of homicide offenses eligible for parole after 30 years.

Requires the Parole Board to consider diminished culpability of minors, hallmark features of youth, subsequent maturity during incarceration, family circumstances, and history of abuse or trauma when reviewing parole eligibility.

Grants Parole Board members access to child maltreatment reports and child welfare system information to inform parole decisions, with confidentiality protections.