Signed by Governor Deval Patrick

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report that requires parole eligibility for certain juveniles convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Highlights:

• Requires an individual sentenced to life imprisonment after their 14th birthday and before their 18th birthday to be considered eligible for parole after serving the following minimum terms (Sec. 6):
• A term of at least 20 years and no more than 30 years, if the individual was convicted of first degree murder; 
• A term of at least 25 years and no more than 30 years, if the individual was convicted of first degree murder with deliberately premeditated malice; and 
• A term of at least 30 years, if the individual was convicted of first degree murder with extreme atrocity or cruelty.

• Specifies that the terms for parole eligibility set by the provisions of this bill apply only to individuals who commit murder after the effective date of this bill (Sec. 8)

• In Massachusetts, a new bill number is assigned when a new version of the bill is drafted. The bill number was changed to H 4307 for the House & Senate Conference Report stages.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report that requires parole eligibility for certain juveniles convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Highlights:

• Requires an individual sentenced to life imprisonment after their 14th birthday and before their 18th birthday to be considered eligible for parole after serving the following minimum terms (Sec. 6):
• A term of at least 20 years and no more than 30 years, if the individual was convicted of first degree murder; 
• A term of at least 25 years and no more than 30 years, if the individual was convicted of first degree murder with deliberately premeditated malice; and 
• A term of at least 30 years, if the individual was convicted of first degree murder with extreme atrocity or cruelty.

• Specifies that the terms for parole eligibility set by the provisions of this bill apply only to individuals who commit murder after the effective date of this bill (Sec. 8)

• In Massachusetts, a new bill number is assigned when a new version of the bill is drafted. The bill number was changed to H 4307 for the House & Senate Conference Report stages.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes eligibility of parole for juveniles convicted of first-degree murder.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the courts to consider an individual, sentenced to life imprisonment after their 14th birthday and before their 18th birthday, for parole under the following conditions (Sec. 5):
• The individual has served at least 25 years and no more than 30 years, if convicted of first degree murder with deliberately premeditated malice or extreme cruelty; or 
• The individual has served at least 20 years and no more than 25 years, if convicted of unintended first degree murder that resulted exclusively from the commission of a crime.

Full Bill Text