Senate Bill 2123 Summary

• Establishes parole eligibility requirements based on crime type: violent crimes require 50% of sentence or 30 years (whichever is less); non-violent crimes require 25% of sentence.

• Requires Parole Board approval of case plans for all parole-eligible inmates within 90 days of admission (or by January 1, 2021 for those admitted before July 1, 2020) to guide rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.

• Increases Parole Board voting requirements: three affirmative votes needed to grant parole for crimes of violence committed after June 30, 1995; four votes required for sex offenses.

• Mandates that victims or designated family members be notified and given opportunity to be heard by the Parole Board before parole decisions are made.

• Allows inmates without crime of violence convictions to petition sentencing court for parole eligibility after serving 25% of sentence or 10 years (whichever is less), subject to court approval.