HB 635 Summary

• Creates the "Second Chance for Children Act" establishing Florida Statute 921.167 to allow juvenile offenders sentenced to 10 or more years for nonhomicide offenses committed at age 17 or younger to petition for sentence reduction or suspension

• Allows eligible offenders to petition the court at age 25 if they have completed GED requirements (unless waived due to disability) and received no disciplinary reports for at least 3 years before filing

• Court must schedule sentencing hearing within 90 days and evaluate rehabilitation based on 11 factors including age at offense, abuse history, remorse, behavior in custody, educational programs completed, and post-release plans

• Offenders whose sentences are not reduced may petition again 7 years after the previous hearing and every 7 years thereafter

• Released offenders with reduced or suspended sentences must participate in available reentry programs for 2 years; courts may appoint attorneys to represent offenders at sentencing hearings