SB-0318 Summary

• Amends the Corrections Code to establish parole eligibility for certain prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment, with eligibility dependent on the crime committed and time served.

• Prisoners sentenced to life for crimes committed before October 1, 1992 become parole-eligible after serving 10 calendar years; those for crimes committed on or after October 1, 1992 become eligible after 15 calendar years.

• Parole board must conduct mandatory interviews beginning after 10 years of service and file reviews every 5 years after 15 years, with public hearings required before parole decisions; sentencing judges may object to parole within 30 days of hearing notice.

• Establishes reduced parole eligibility timelines for certain drug-related violations committed before March 1, 2003: 20 years (or 17.5 years without additional serious crime convictions) for MCL 333.7401(2)(a)(i) violations; 10 years for (ii) violations; and 5 years for (iii) violations.

• Takes effect only if Senate Bill No. 319 of the 97th Legislature is enacted; does not apply to prisoners convicted of first-degree murder, criminal sexual conduct, terrorism, or other crimes for which parole is expressly denied by law.