HB 11-1287 Summary

• Applies retroactively a 40-year maximum sentence for all juveniles convicted as adults, regardless of offense date; juveniles sentenced to terms exceeding 40 years become eligible for parole after serving 40 years.

• Authorizes the Department of Corrections Executive Director to place eligible juveniles in community placements after they have served a specified portion of their sentence, with mandatory consideration at least once within 10 years before parole eligibility.

• Requires the Executive Director to evaluate juveniles for community placement using criteria including risk level, institutional behavior, rehabilitation efforts, remorse, and public safety considerations; offenders meeting criteria must undergo clinical assessment and spend 6-24 months in minimum security facility observation.

• Mandates development of continuity of care and long-term supervision plans prior to community placement; denied applicants may reapply annually if they address reasons for denial and will receive written notice of denial reasons.

• Establishes specialized community corrections programs with residential and nonresidential components for eligible juvenile offenders, subject to community corrections board review; offenders remain on inmate status unless granted parole.