This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to modify parole eligibility for individuals convicted of serious violent crimes, specifically second degree murder, first degree murder, and attempted murder. It increases the minimum imprisonment term for second degree murder from ten to twenty years, establishing that such individuals will not be eligible for parole until they have served at least twenty years of their sentence or the minimum required by other relevant laws, whichever is greater. For those convicted of first degree murder after July 1, 2025, parole eligibility is set at twenty-five years. The bill also introduces penalties for attempted murder, classifying attempts to commit first degree murder as a felony punishable by ten to forty years, and attempts to commit second degree murder as a felony punishable by five to twenty years.

Additionally, the bill enhances the parole process by requiring the Parole Board to notify the prosecuting attorney of upcoming parole hearings and to gather relevant background information to aid in decision-making. It mandates that inmates must appear in person before a Parole Board panel prior to release, with exceptions for medical conditions, and stipulates that a majority of the panel must agree on parole decisions. The bill also grants the Parole Board authority to access inmate information from state correctional facilities and requires parolees to participate in a litter control program unless deemed inappropriate. Overall, the amendments aim to improve public safety and ensure that individuals convicted of serious crimes serve longer sentences while also refining the rehabilitation and reintegration process for parolees.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-2-3, 61-11-8, 62-12-13