HB 719 Summary

• Allows offenders to apply to court for reduction of sentences imposed for "qualifying offenses" when the penalty for that offense is reduced by subsequent legislation.

• Defines "qualifying offenses" as any offense committed on or after the bill's effective date, or any non-violent offense committed before that date.

• Requires courts to conduct hearings on reduction applications, notify prosecutors, and modify sentences if the offense qualifies and the penalty reduction is applicable.

• Defines "reduction in penalty" to include changes that shorten prison/jail terms, reduce felony degree, reduce misdemeanor degree, change felony to misdemeanor, or repeal the prohibition for the offense.

• Directs the Attorney General to review bills for penalty reductions and notify the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and local correctional facilities, which must inform eligible confined persons of their right to seek sentence modification.