CT HB05221

Creates new parole eligibility rules for persons convicted of crimes committed while under 18 years old, allowing parole after serving 60% of sentence or 12 years (whichever is greater) for sentences of 50 years or less, or after 30 years for sentences exceeding 50 years.

Requires courts sentencing juveniles transferred to criminal court for class A, B, or C felonies to consider scientific and psychological evidence of adolescent brain development, including immaturity, vulnerability to peer pressure, capacity for rehabilitation, and reduced decision-making competency.

Mandates presentence investigation reports for all juveniles convicted of class A or B felonies and prohibits waiver for class C felonies without court approval, with reports required to address adolescent developmental factors.

Eliminates juvenile offenders from eligibility for capital punishment and murder with special circumstances charges, restricting such sentences to defendants 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense.

Establishes comprehensive parole hearing procedures for juvenile offenders including mandatory notice to public defenders, state's attorneys, and victim services at least 12 months in advance, and requires use of validated risk assessment tools in release decisions.