MI SB1214

Establishes parole eligibility for prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment (other than those convicted of first-degree murder, certain weapon violations, criminal sexual conduct, or drug trafficking with life sentences) after serving 10 years (for crimes before October 1, 1992) or 15 years (for crimes on or after October 1, 1992).

Requires parole board to conduct interviews with eligible life-sentence prisoners at 10-year mark and file reviews at 15-year mark and every 5 years thereafter, with prisoners given 30 days' notice and opportunity to submit written statements.

Mandates public hearing before parole decision with notice to sentencing judge, who may block parole by filing written objections within 30 days; establishes abuse of discretion standard for circuit court appeals by prosecutors or victims.

Allows prosecutor of conviction county, state attorney general, and crime victims to appeal parole board decisions to circuit court; grants attorney general right to participate in parole proceedings.

Provides reduced parole eligibility timelines for specific drug trafficking convictions occurring before March 1, 2003, including 20 years (or 17.5 years without additional serious crimes) for certain offenses, with 2.5-year reduction if prisoner cooperated with law enforcement.