SB 272 Summary

• Establishes special parole eligibility dates for individuals sentenced to life imprisonment, life without parole, or indefinite prison terms for offenses committed before age 18, based on U.S. Supreme Court decisions in Miller v. Alabama and Graham v. Florida.

• Sets automatic parole eligibility: 15 years for sentences of 15+ years, 15 years for sentences permitting parole only after 15+ years, or age 40 for life without parole sentences.

• Requires Parole Board to consider specified mitigating factors during hearings, including offender's age at offense, diminished culpability of youth, immaturity, family circumstances, and subsequent growth during imprisonment.

• Mandates Parole Board provide at least 60 days' notice to Ohio Public Defender and prosecuting attorney before conducting parole review hearings for affected individuals.

• Permits prisoners' privately retained counsel or public defender to appear and make statements in support of release at parole hearings, ensuring meaningful opportunity to obtain release.