MA S1178

Expands parole eligibility to prisoners serving life sentences for first-degree murder who were adults (18+) at the time of the offense, removing current exclusions that make such sentences parole-ineligible

Sets a fixed 25-year minimum term before parole eligibility for first-degree murder convictions, and caps minimum terms for second-degree murder at 25 years

Establishes reduced minimum terms for juvenile offenders: 15-20 years for those ages 14-17 convicted of first-degree murder, and 10-12 years for juvenile felony murder or joint venture cases where the offender was not the actual killer

Requires that no person be imprisoned more than 25 years without receiving a parole hearing, with provisions applying retroactively to those convicted before the act's effective date

Mandates the Department of Corrections establish a voluntary Restorative Justice program for prisoners sentenced to more than 25 years, with annual reporting requirements to the legislature by December 31