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HB 2678

Establishes provisions relating to parole hearings for certain offenders

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Johnson

The bill requires a parole hearing for offenders who were 18–21 at offense, after meeting criteria, with an emphasis on rehabilitation, mental health assessment, and victim partici

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 2678

Overview

House Bill 2678 (Missouri, 2026) establishes new parole hearing provisions for a defined group of offenders described as “adolescents” at the time of offense. It creates a streamlined process for obtaining a parole hearing, specifies how the hearing is conducted, outlines notification and victim rights, and sets parole-related timelines and reentry requirements. The measure applies to offenders who were 18–21 years old when the offense occurred and who meet other criteria. It is designed to ensure earlier consideration for parole while incorporating rehabilitation, mental health assessment, and post-release supports.

Main purpose and intent

  • To require the Parole Board to grant a parole hearing for offenders who were adolescents (18–21 at offense) and who meet specific criteria, if all conditions are satisfied.
  • To formalize an assessment process that includes rehabilitation efforts, mental health evaluation, and prior conduct.
  • To protect victims’ rights by mandating notice of hearings and afford them opportunity to participate or submit information.
  • To set structured timelines for petitions, hearings, and potential multiple parole hearings if parole is denied.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 217.691):
    • Adolescent: age 18 through under 22 at the time of offense.
    • Conduct, Course of conduct, IPO (institutional parole officer), Mental health professional, Offender.
  • Parole eligibility and hearing trigger:
    • An offender committed as an adolescent may file a petition for a parole hearing if:
    • Was adolescent at offense,
    • Sentenced to 25+ years,
    • Serving first commitment with the Department,
    • Not sentenced to death,
    • Has served at least 15 years.
  • Board and IPO process:
    • The Board must review petitions within 30 days; notify the offender within 6 months if appropriately filed.
    • The IPO meets with the offender, explains the hearing, and investigates rehabilitation efforts (work assignments, programs, behavior, education such as GED/HS diploma).
    • A written IPO report with rehabilitation findings is filed; the IPO may issue recommendations that the offender must complete unless the Board is satisfied the offender has made a good-faith effort.
  • Victim notifications and participation:
    • At least 12 months prior to the hearing, the Board must notify victims or families with details about the hearing, rights to attend, and options to provide statements or information.
    • Victims may request not to receive future notices; the Board will assist in locating victims if current addresses are unknown.
    • Victims/families may submit information and have a right to be heard at the hearing.
  • Parole hearing logistics:
    • The offender must generally be present unless health issues prevent it.
    • A psychological evaluation must be prepared, covering mental health score, mental maturity, and decision-making ability.
    • The Board will consider diminished culpability, growth, maturity, and the mental health report.
    • The offender may present a statement on their behalf.
    • Parole is denied if there is substantial risk of nonconformity with parole conditions or insufficient evidence of rehabilitation.
    • Hearings may be rescheduled only for good cause; notice must be provided to victims, families, and the offender for new dates; hearings are not open to the public.
    • If parole is granted, the offender must attend a reentry program at least 9 months before release; lack of space or program availability must not delay release.
  • Parole/timeline framework:
    • Nonviolent offenses: parole after 3 years of supervised parole.
    • Violent offenses: parole after 5 years of supervised parole.
    • Life or life-without-parole: parole after 10 years of supervised parole.
    • The above may discharge remaining years but not exceed the court-imposed term or mandatory supervised release.
  • Denial and rehearing:
    • If parole is denied, the Board issues a written decision with the rationale within 30 days.
    • Eligible for a second parole hearing after 3 years; a third or subsequent hearing after 5 years from the denial decision.
  • General caveats:
    • Provisions do not delay otherwise eligible parole/mandatory supervised release.
    • Do not limit other forms of relief or relief granted by the court outside this statute.

Who is affected

  • Offenders who were adolescents (18–21 at offense) and who meet the specified eligibility criteria (25+ years sentence, first commitment, not death penalty, at least 15 years served).
  • The Institutional Parole Officers (IPOs) responsible for rehabilitation assessments and reporting.
  • Victims and families of victims, who receive enhanced notice and rights to participate in parole proceedings.
  • The Missouri Parole Board, which must conduct timely hearings, evaluate mental health and rehabilitation, and issue written decisions when parole is denied.
  • Reentry programs and providers, required to be in place for parolees prior to release.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Petition review: Board must act within 30 days of receipt; notify appropriately filed petitions within 6 months.
  • Rehabilitation reporting: IPO interviews and written rehabilitation report filed as part of the hearing preparation.
  • Victim notification: Minimum 12 months before hearing, with ongoing rights to participate; ability to opt out of future notices.
  • Hearing prerequisites: Offender presence required unless health prevents; a formal psychological evaluation completed for each hearing.
  • Continuances: Rescheduling only for good cause; notice requirements apply; continuance window limited to 3 months to 5 years from the original date.
  • Post-denial: Written rationale within 30 days; second hearing after 3 years, third or subsequent after 5 years.
  • Release sequencing: Parole terms align with offense type and do not exceed the court-imposed term; mandatory supervised release timelines set by the bill.

Note: The bill is similar to HB 1490 (2025) and is currently in the legislative referral/approval process as of the latest actions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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