HB 1986 Summary

• Modifies first degree murder sentencing for offenders under 18 years old by creating tiered punishment options based on age at time of offense.

• Offenders 16 years or older at time of offense: life imprisonment without parole or a term with minimum of at least 35 years.

• Offenders under 16 years old at time of offense: life imprisonment without parole or a term with minimum of at least 25 years.

• Requires prosecuting attorney to file notice of intent to seek life without parole sentence after conviction and before sentencing, with sentencing authority required to consider victim impact, community impact, defendant's age-related characteristics, and rehabilitation history.

• Allows defendants sentenced to life without parole before this law's effective date (for crimes committed as juveniles) to petition for resentencing within six months if their case is not yet final on appeal.