The bill amends existing provisions regarding the establishment of initial parole dates for inmates in South Dakota, particularly focusing on offenses committed on or after July 1, 2023. It introduces new definitions for "offense," replacing previous terms and adding several serious crimes to the list, including first and second degree murder, acts of terrorism, and various forms of sexual assault. The bill stipulates that inmates convicted of these specified offenses are not eligible for parole and must serve their full sentences, although the court retains the discretion to suspend portions of sentences. If a suspension occurs, the Board of Pardons and Paroles is responsible for supervising the suspended time and may revoke it if the inmate fails to comply with release conditions.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for setting initial parole dates for inmates sentenced for crimes committed before and after the specified date. It emphasizes that certain violent crimes will be classified as such for the purpose of parole calculations, and it establishes a grid system to determine parole eligibility based on the nature of the crime. The bill also clarifies that inmates serving life sentences or those convicted of specific serious offenses will not be eligible for parole, except under certain conditions. Overall, the amendments aim to tighten parole eligibility for serious offenses and ensure that inmates serve substantial portions of their sentences.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/10/2025: 24-15-4.1, 24-15-4.2, 24-15A-32
Senate Judiciary Engrossed, 01/28/2025: 24-15-4.1, 24-15-4.2, 24-15A-32