Substitute House Bill No. 7133 seeks to expand parole eligibility for offenders who committed their crimes between the ages of 18 and 21. The bill introduces a new provision that allows individuals sentenced to more than ten years of incarceration to be eligible for parole after serving either 60% of their sentence or a minimum of twelve years, whichever is greater. For those with sentences longer than fifty years, eligibility for parole would be after thirty years. This new eligibility rule applies only to crimes committed while the individual was under 21 and does not alter existing eligibility rules for offenses committed after that age. The bill also repeals outdated provisions related to crimes committed before October 1, 2005, and clarifies that the Board of Pardons and Paroles must apply the new eligibility rules only to relevant sentences.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Board of Pardons and Paroles articulate its reasons for any decision made regarding parole on the record and allows for the reassessment of an individual's suitability for a hearing at least two years after a denial. It specifies that decisions made by the board under these provisions are not subject to appeal. The bill maintains the requirement for a parole suitability hearing and notification to relevant parties, ensuring a thorough process that considers the offender's rehabilitation and risk assessment. It also outlines the board's responsibilities, including granting or denying parole and establishing conditions for parole, while emphasizing the need for a psychologist with expertise in risk assessment to assist in decision-making. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and has been favorably reported by the Judiciary Committee with a vote of 29 in favor and 12 against.