AZ SB1718

Persons sentenced to 25 or more years for offenses committed before age 18 become eligible for parole after completing 15 years of their sentence.

Board of executive clemency must consider nine mitigating factors at parole hearings, including the person's age at offense, rehabilitation efforts, diminished juvenile culpability, and family/community circumstances.

Eligible persons receive a presumption in favor of parole release that may only be rebutted with evidence the person poses a threat to public safety.

If parole is denied, the person remains eligible for annual parole hearings and prior denials cannot be considered as adverse factors in future hearings.

Courts sentencing juveniles tried as adults cannot impose death, natural life, de facto life (25+ years), or life without parole, but may impose sentences below statutory minimums.