This bill proposes significant updates to Arizona's sentencing laws, specifically targeting defendants who committed offenses as minors and have served at least fifteen years of their sentence. Under the new provisions, the court is mandated to reduce the term of imprisonment for eligible defendants unless it determines, after a hearing, that the individual poses a threat to public safety. The bill outlines a structured process for defendants to file for resentencing, including the appointment of legal representation and a timeline for hearings, while ensuring that victims are notified and that defendants have the right to be present during proceedings.

Additionally, the bill introduces a comprehensive list of mitigating factors that the court must consider when assessing the threat to public safety and determining the length of any sentence reduction. These factors include the defendant's age at the time of the offense, their behavior while incarcerated, and their potential for rehabilitation. The court is required to issue a ruling within thirty days of the hearing, providing written justification for its decision. Furthermore, the bill allows for the imposition of educational and rehabilitative programs prior to release and establishes a presumption in favor of community supervision for eligible individuals, reinforcing the focus on rehabilitation over punishment for juvenile offenders.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-722