The bill amends existing laws regarding the governor's authority to grant pardons and commutations, specifically addressing the conditions under which offenders may be released from correctional facilities. Key provisions include the establishment of extraordinary medical placements for offenders with serious medical conditions, allowing for early release under specific circumstances, and clarifying that persistent offenders and those sentenced to life without parole are ineligible for such placements. The bill also modifies the language to use gender-neutral terms, replacing "he or she" with "the offender" or "the governor" as appropriate.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the governor's discretion in granting pardons and commutations, particularly for offenders sentenced to life without parole, who should not be considered for release until they reach at least sixty years of age and are deemed no longer a threat to society. It mandates that the governor provide biannual reports on the status of these offenders for a minimum of ten years following their release. The bill also clarifies that the governor's authority to grant pardons or commutations is not limited by the requirement of a petition from the convicted individual, ensuring broader discretion in these matters.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.94A.565, 10.01.120