NC S681

Inmates sentenced to life without parole become eligible for parole under the Mutual Agreement Parole Program (MAPP) after serving a minimum of 20 years and completing mandatory educational, vocational, and work requirements

During the first 5 years of incarceration, the Department of Adult Correction assesses inmates' behavioral, educational, and occupational needs, after which eligible inmates may receive a 15-year MAPP contract

Mandatory education requirements include obtaining a GED (if not already held) and completing a vocational trade program, which can alternatively be satisfied by earning an associate or bachelor's degree

Released inmates serve a 5-year parole term; those who violate parole conditions and return to prison become ineligible for parole for 5 years from the return date

Applies retroactively to inmates who have already served 20+ years by August 1, 2025, offering them modified 1-3 year MAPP contracts if they have substantially completed program requirements