FL H0963

Exempts capital and designated felonies committed before age 18 from automatic life sentences, requiring judges to conduct mandatory sentencing hearings and consider factors including the offender's age, maturity, family background, and potential for rehabilitation before imposing life imprisonment.

Caps sentences for certain offenses committed on or after July 1, 2013 by offenders under 18 at the time of the crime: 15 years for life felonies (except murder) and 10 years for first-degree felonies (except murder), unless judge determines life imprisonment is appropriate after considering statutory factors.

Establishes sentence review process for juveniles sentenced to life imprisonment, requiring the Department of Corrections to screen for eligibility and notify offenders after 25 years of incarceration so they may request resentencing hearings.

Directs courts to consider eight specific factors during resentencing hearings, including the offender's current risk level, remorse, age at offense, educational achievement, and history of abuse, to determine if rehabilitation has occurred.

Allows courts to modify sentences and place resentenced offenders on probation for at least 5 years if they are found rehabilitated; offenders not resentenced may request new hearings every 5 years.