GA HB894

Allows incarcerated individuals sentenced to life without parole to petition for sentence reduction after serving at least 20 years, excluding those convicted of murder (Code Section 16-5-1) or rape (Code Section 16-6-1)

Requires the Department of Corrections to notify eligible prisoners, the sentencing court, prosecuting attorney, and defense counsel within 30 days of the prisoner's 20th year of imprisonment beginning

Creates a rebuttable presumption of release for petitioners aged 55 or older at the time of filing

Mandates courts consider 13 factors when deciding petitions, including defendant's age at offense, rehabilitation efforts, disciplinary record, victim statements, and evidence of ineffective assistance of counsel

Guarantees defendants the right to appointed counsel if unable to afford one, and provides victims the right to attend hearings and submit impact statements