Am. H.B. No. 521 Summary

• Creates new section 2967.132 establishing special parole eligibility dates for prisoners convicted of offenses committed when under 18 years old, regardless of whether they received life, indefinite, or life-without-parole sentences.

• Sets parole eligibility based on sentence length: after 15 years for sentences permitting parole by 20 years; 5 years before stated eligibility for sentences requiring 20-30 years; after 30 years for sentences over 30 years; after 35 years for life-without-parole sentences.

• Requires the Parole Board to consider five specified mitigating factors at hearings: offender's age at time of offense, diminished culpability of youth, common characteristics of youth, family/home environment, and maturity growth during imprisonment.

• Mandates the Parole Board notify the Ohio Public Defender and prosecuting attorney at least 60 days before any parole review hearing for these prisoners, allowing both to appear and present statements.

• Implements U.S. Supreme Court decisions in Miller v. Alabama and Graham v. Florida regarding sentencing of juveniles to life sentences.