This bill proposes amendments to the penalties and parole eligibility for second-degree murder in West Virginia. Specifically, it changes the imprisonment term from a range of ten to forty years to a new range of fifteen to sixty years. Additionally, the bill stipulates that individuals convicted of second-degree murder will not be eligible for parole until they have served a minimum of fifteen years of their sentence or the minimum period required by existing law, whichever is greater.

The intent of this legislation is to impose stricter penalties and enhance the conditions for parole eligibility for those convicted of second-degree murder, reflecting a tougher stance on violent crimes. The changes aim to ensure that offenders serve a more substantial portion of their sentences before being considered for parole.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-2-3