HB 06926 Summary

• Establishes parole eligibility for individuals convicted of crimes committed before age 18 with sentences over 10 years: eligible after serving 60% of sentence or 12 years (whichever is greater) if sentence is 50 years or less, or after 30 years if sentence exceeds 50 years.

• Requires courts sentencing juveniles transferred to criminal court for Class A or B felonies to consider scientific evidence about adolescent brain development, including differences in maturity, susceptibility to peer pressure, capacity for rehabilitation, and reduced decision-making competency.

• Prohibits death penalty and parole ineligibility for certain serious crimes (murder with special circumstances, felony murder, arson murder) if defendant was under 18 at time of offense.

• Mandates parole hearings with risk assessment tools and victim notification for juveniles seeking release, requiring courts to document specific rehabilitation factors and reasons for confinement decisions.

• Requires sentencing judges to inform defendants of maximum incarceration period, earliest possible release date, and maximum risk reduction credits available at time of sentencing.