MO HB491

First-time dangerous felony offenders with no prior prison commitments would be required to serve at least 50% of their sentence before parole eligibility, reduced from the current 85% requirement

The reduced 50% minimum applies to sentences imposed on or after August 28, 1994, for offenders who have no previous prison commitments with the Department of Corrections for any felony offense

Offenders can alternatively become parole-eligible upon reaching 70 years of age if they have served at least 40% of the sentence imposed

Repeat offenders and those with prior prison commitments remain subject to existing minimum sentence requirements (40-80% depending on number of prior commitments)

The bill consolidates and replaces two prior versions of section 558.019 enacted by Senate Bills 491 and 628