MN SF982

Allows courts to sentence defendants under 18 years old to life imprisonment with possibility of release if their potential for rehabilitation outweighs the public interest in a life sentence without release, determined by preponderance of evidence.

Requires courts considering juvenile life sentences to evaluate the defendant's age, education, background, mental and emotional development, and the circumstances and severity of the offense.

Requires courts to consider victim and community impact, the defendant's level of participation in the crime, juvenile delinquency and criminal history, and programming history when determining appropriate sentences.

Establishes minimum imprisonment terms before supervised release eligibility: 30 years for certain mandatory life sentences under section 609.185 and 17 years for mandatory life sentences under section 609.385.

Requires the Commissioner of Corrections to prepare community investigation reports and consider victim input before granting supervised release to inmates serving life sentences.