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 to be eligible for parole after serving either 60% of their sentence or a minimum of twelve years, whichever is greater, for sentences of fifty years or less. For those with sentences exceeding fifty years, eligibility for parole would be after thirty years. This new eligibility rule specifically applies to crimes committed under the age of 21 and does not alter existing eligibility rules for offenses committed at age 21 or older. The bill also repeals existing legal language related to crimes committed before October 1, 2005, and the requirement that offenders must have been sentenced on or before that date.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Board of Pardons and Paroles hold a parole suitability hearing for eligible offenders and notify relevant parties at least twelve months prior to the hearing. It requires the board to articulate its reasons for any decision on the record, ensuring transparency, and allows for reassessment of an individual's suitability for a hearing at least two years after a denial of parole. The bill maintains that decisions made by the board under these provisions are not subject to appeal. Furthermore, it outlines the structure and responsibilities of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, including the requirement for a psychologist with expertise in risk assessment to assist in parole decisions. The Judiciary Committee has favorably reported the bill with a vote of 29 in favor and 12 against.