The proposed bill amends the Code of West Virginia to increase penalties and parole eligibility requirements for homicide offenses, specifically targeting second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter. The minimum imprisonment term for second-degree murder will rise from ten to 15 years, and the maximum term will increase from 40 to 60 years. For voluntary manslaughter, the minimum term will be raised from three to five years, while the maximum will go from 15 to 25 years. Additionally, individuals convicted of these offenses will not be eligible for parole until they have served a minimum of 15 years for second-degree murder and five years for voluntary manslaughter, or the minimum period required by section 61-12-13 of the code, whichever is greater.

The bill also modifies parole eligibility for life sentences, increasing the minimum period for parole consideration from 10 to 20 years, and from 15 to 25 years for those with prior felony convictions. It establishes that inmates convicted of first-degree murder for offenses committed on or after July 1, 2025, will not be eligible for parole until they have served 25 years. The bill outlines the Parole Board's responsibilities, including the requirement for a majority agreement on inmate release decisions and mandates the board to investigate applications for pardon or commutation upon the Governor's request. Additionally, it requires parolees to participate in a litter control program unless deemed inappropriate, and the commissioner is tasked with maintaining a publicly available list of rehabilitative and educational programs for inmates.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 62-12-13of
Committee Substitute: 61-2-3, 61-2-4, 62-12-13of