This bill amends South Dakota law to allow certain inmates sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole to be eligible for discretionary parole consideration. Specifically, it introduces a new provision stating that inmates who were at least eighteen but under twenty-seven years old at the time of their offense, and who are not convicted of first-degree rape, may be considered for parole after serving twenty-five years. The Board of Pardons and Paroles is required to conduct an initial hearing within six months of the inmate becoming eligible and must consider various factors, including the inmate's age at the time of the offense, their history, and their behavior while incarcerated, among others.

Additionally, if an inmate is denied parole, the board must set a new discretionary parole date at least five years from the denial, with subsequent hearings occurring no more than every two years. The bill also clarifies that inmates granted parole will still be subject to existing laws and that the provisions apply retroactively to inmates sentenced before July 1, 2026. The bill emphasizes a comprehensive evaluation process for parole consideration, taking into account the inmate's rehabilitation and readiness to reintegrate into society.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/28/2026: 24-15-4