MI HB5273

Eliminates the veto power of successor judges over parole decisions for life-sentenced prisoners, allowing only the original sentencing judge to block parole through written objections filed within 30 days of a hearing notice.

Requires the parole board to conduct mandatory interviews with life-sentenced prisoners at 10 calendar years of their sentence and thereafter as determined by the board, and to review prisoner files at 15 years and every 5 years thereafter.

Establishes that life-sentenced prisoners (except those ineligible for parole) may be released on parole after serving 10 calendar years for crimes before October 1, 1992, or 15 calendar years for crimes on or after October 1, 1992.

Requires the parole board to consider specific factors when evaluating parole for drug-related life sentences, including whether the offense involved a drug-free school zone, delivery to minors, or leadership of a drug organization.

Effective date: March 21, 2017.