AR SB579

Raises the age threshold from 18 to 21 years old for sentencing restrictions on capital murder and treason, requiring life imprisonment with parole eligibility after 30 years minimum instead of death or life without parole.

Prohibits death sentences or life sentences without parole for any offense committed when the defendant was younger than 21 years old.

Establishes parole eligibility for persons convicted as juveniles (under 21) at 20 years for offenses without death, 25 years for first-degree murder, and 30 years for capital murder, with retroactive application to current inmates.

Requires the Parole Board to consider diminished culpability of youth, family circumstances, trauma history, rehabilitative participation, and mental health evaluations during parole hearings for offenders convicted before age 21.

Allows parole discharge and restoration of voting rights for persons released under these provisions after serving at least 5 years on parole without violation and with prosecuting attorney consent.