TN HB2229

Creates parole eligibility after 25 calendar years for persons convicted of first degree murder between July 1, 1995 and July 1, 2020, who were sentenced to life imprisonment

Allows inmates to reduce their parole eligibility date by up to 35 years through: 10 years off for each 10 consecutive years without violent disciplinary infractions, 10 years off for each 10 consecutive years without drug infractions, 10 years off for completing a postsecondary degree, and 5 years off for completing required rehabilitation programs

Requires mandatory parole release upon meeting all criteria, removing Board of Parole discretion to deny based on crime seriousness or perceived risk

Caps maximum incarceration at 40 calendar years for first degree murder life sentences, with automatic sentence expiration if parole has not been granted

Applies retroactively to eligible inmates who have already met criteria as of July 1, 2026, requiring the Department of Correction to review records and adjust parole eligibility dates