CT HB06581

Establishes parole eligibility for persons convicted of crimes committed before age 18 who received sentences over 10 years, effective October 1, 2013.

Persons serving 60 years or less become eligible for parole after serving one-half the sentence or 10 years, whichever is greater; those serving over 60 years become eligible after 30 years, minus any risk reduction credits.

Requires Board of Pardons and Paroles to hold suitability hearings at least 12 months after notice, with involvement of public defender, state's attorney, and victims, using validated risk assessment tools.

Board may grant parole if it finds reasonable probability the person will live lawfully, benefits of release substantially outweigh continued incarceration, and the person has demonstrated substantial rehabilitation considering age, circumstances, remorse, and correctional record.

If board denies parole, it must articulate specific reasons on record and shall reassess suitability at a later discretionary date; board decisions are not subject to appeal.