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. The bill clarifies that this alternative eligibility applies only to crimes committed under the age of 21, and any portion of a sentence related to crimes committed at age 21 or older will adhere to existing parole eligibility rules. Additionally, the bill repeals references to crimes committed before October 1, 2005, and the requirement that offenders must have been sentenced on or before that date.

The bill also modifies the decision-making process of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, requiring the board to articulate the reasons for its decisions on the record and allowing for reassessment of an individual's suitability for a hearing at least two years after a denial. The decisions made by the board under these provisions remain non-appealable. The bill maintains the current structure and responsibilities of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, including the requirement to employ a psychologist with expertise in risk assessment. The changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and while there may be increased costs for the Board due to additional hearings, potential savings for the Department of Correction could arise from reduced incarceration rates starting in fiscal year 2027. The bill was favorably reported by the Judiciary Committee with a vote of 29 in favor and 12 against on April 8, 2025.