FL S0078

Creates the "Juvenile Sentencing Review Act" allowing juvenile offenders (those under 18 at time of offense) sentenced to life imprisonment to petition for resentencing after serving a minimum term.

Sets minimum incarceration periods before resentencing eligibility: 15 years for nonhomicide offenses and 25 years for homicide offenses, sexual offenses, and attempted murder.

Requires the Department of Corrections to screen eligible juvenile offenders and notify them of resentencing eligibility; offenders may then request a resentencing hearing in the original jurisdiction court.

Mandates that courts appoint a public defender for juvenile offenders who cannot afford counsel and consider factors including the offender's maturity, reform, remorse, age-related development, educational achievements, and any history of abuse.

If resentenced, requires the court to impose at least 5 years of probation; if denied resentencing, the juvenile offender may petition again 5 years later and every 5 years thereafter.