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HB 2663

Establishes provisions relating to the reduction of certain criminal sentences of imprisonment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Will Jobe

The bill allows judges to convert long-term sentences (life without parole or 30+ years) to life with parole eligibility for certain rehabilitated offenders under strict conditions

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#corrections #departmentof #crimesandpunishment #probationandparole
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Bill Summary · HB 2663

Summary of HB 2663 (2026) — Missouri

Main purpose

HB 2663 authorizes a sentencing court to reduce certain long-term prison sentences (life without eligibility for probation or parole, or a sentence of 30 years or more) to a life sentence with eligibility for probation or parole, under specific conditions. It also sets procedural steps for offenders receiving a reduction and assigns ongoing supervision responsibilities to the Division of Probation and Parole.

Key provisions

  • Eligible sentence reductions (Section 558.500):

    • The court may reduce:
    • a life-without-eligibility sentence, or
    • a sentence of 30 years or greater,
    • to a sentence of life with eligibility for probation or parole if all criteria are met.
    • Conditions for eligibility:
    • The offender has served at least 30 years in the Department of Corrections.
    • The offender was under 20 years old at the time of the offense.
    • Since the offense, the offender has:
      • made reasonable rehabilitation efforts (e.g., substance abuse treatment, vocational or educational programs, victim-impact or restorative-justice coursework, etc.);
      • demonstrated model citizen behavior in custody (e.g., sobriety, leadership, participation in education or treatment activities).

  • Supervision and parole conditions for reduced sentences (Section 217.738):

    • Any offender who receives a reduction under Section 558.500 is entitled to a hearing before the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole.
    • For those eligible for supervised release as a condition of parole, the offender must provide:
    • At least five statements from current or former Department of Corrections employees attesting to institutional adaptability and conduct.
    • Signed statements from at least twenty community residents where the offender will reside, confirming support and commitment to assist with reentry.
    • A safe and secure home plan for after release.

  • Ongoing supervision (Section 558.500, subsection 2):

    • The Division of Probation and Parole shall supervise the convicted person for the duration of their natural life if they receive a sentence reduction under these provisions.

Who would be affected

  • Offenders serving long-term sentences (life without parole eligibility or 30+ year terms) who:
    • have served at least 30 years,
    • were younger than 20 at the time of their offense,
    • have demonstrated rehabilitation and positive behavior in prison.
  • The Missouri Board of Probation and Parole (for hearings and supervision decisions).
  • The Division of Probation and Parole (responsible for lifetime supervision of those granted reductions).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • A sentencing court, upon petition and meeting criteria, may grant the reduction to life with parole eligibility.
  • After reduction, the offender is entitled to a hearing before the parole board.
  • To be eligible for supervised release, the offender must provide the specified documentation and community support, and must have a safe home plan.
  • If a reduction is granted, the Division of Probation and Parole would supervise the individual for the remainder of the person's natural life.

Context and notes

  • The bill references a similar measure previously considered (HB 1151, 2025).
  • The bill emphasizes rehabilitation and community reintegration, with explicit requirements for verification and community support.
  • The fiscal and administrative implications include heightened parole-board activity and potential lifelong supervision costs.

For readers seeking practical impact, this bill could significantly alter the post-release trajectory for a narrow class of long-term juvenile offenders (offenses committed before age 20) who have demonstrated rehabilitation after decades of incarceration.

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

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