AR SB591

Raises the age threshold from 18 to 21 years old for prohibiting death sentences and life imprisonment without parole eligibility for offenders.

Extends parole eligibility provisions in Arkansas Code §§ 16-93-613, 16-93-614, and 16-93-618 to apply to persons less than 21 years of age at the time of the offense.

Establishes parole eligibility for persons convicted before age 21: no later than 20 years of incarceration for offenses without a death, 25 years for murder in the first degree, and 30 years for capital murder.

Requires the Parole Board to consider factors including diminished culpability, hallmark features of youth, family circumstances, trauma history, rehabilitative participation, and mental health evaluations during parole hearings for offenders under 21.

Applies parole eligibility changes retroactively to persons currently serving sentences, including those serving life sentences for offenses committed before age 21.