SB3228 Summary

• Persons under 21 years old at offense commission (except first degree murder) sentenced on/after effective date are eligible for parole review after serving 10+ years, except those convicted of aggravated criminal sexual assault (20+ years) or predatory criminal sexual assault of a child (ineligible).

• Persons under 21 at offense commission convicted of first degree murder are eligible for parole review after serving 20+ years, except those subject to natural life imprisonment or specific murder circumstances under Section 5-4.5-105.

• Eligible persons must file parole petitions 3 years before eligibility; Board must appoint counsel one year before hearing if indigent; Board must provide case materials 9 months before hearing subject to specified exceptions.

• Parole Board must consider diminished culpability of youthful offenders, hallmark features of youth, and subsequent growth/maturity during incarceration when making release determinations.

• If parole is denied, persons (except first degree murder/aggravated sexual assault cases) are eligible for subsequent parole reviews 5 years later; those with murder/sexual assault convictions get one final review 10 years after denial.