This bill amends the Code of West Virginia, specifically section 62-12-13, to modify the parole eligibility criteria for inmates serving life sentences and those convicted of first-degree murder. Key changes include increasing the minimum time that inmates sentenced to life must serve before becoming eligible for parole from 10 years to 20 years, and for those with prior felony convictions, from 15 years to 25 years. Additionally, 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 of their sentence.

The bill also outlines specific conditions under which inmates may be considered for parole, including the completion of rehabilitation programs and the submission of a parole release plan. It emphasizes that inmates who have committed violent felonies or used firearms in their crimes face stricter eligibility requirements. The bill aims to ensure that parole decisions are made with careful consideration of the inmate's behavior, rehabilitation progress, and potential risk to the community. Overall, the proposed changes reflect a more stringent approach to parole eligibility for serious offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 62-12-13