IN HB1301

Department of Correction must issue certificates of eligibility for rehabilitative release to inmates aged 60+ who served 20+ years (non-murder offenses) or aged 62+ who served 30+ years (murder convictions), allowing them to petition for sentence modification without prosecutor consent

Courts may grant sentence modification if clear and convincing evidence shows the person is no longer a public safety danger, has demonstrated significant rehabilitation through educational/vocational/therapeutic programs, and justice supports modification

Inmates who committed offenses before age 26 and served 10+ years, or those aged 26+ who served 15+ years, may file petitions for sentence reduction; rebuttable presumption of at least 20% sentence reduction applies if the person poses no significant safety risk

Victims and witnesses must receive hearing notice and may testify in person or submit written testimony; courts must appoint public defenders for unrepresented petitioners

Effective July 1, 2026; does not apply to those sentenced to death or life without parole