Summary of Bill S 142

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: S 142
• Title: Increases from twenty-four to sixty months, the time for which reconsideration for parole for a violent felony offense shall be determined
• Status: Referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
• Introduced Date: January 08, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 142 is to extend the period for which individuals convicted of violent felony offenses must wait before they can be reconsidered for parole. Currently, the waiting period is set at twenty-four months, and this bill proposes to increase that duration to sixty months. The intent behind this change is likely to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals convicted of serious crimes are given a longer period of assessment before being eligible for parole.

Key Provisions

• Increased Waiting Period: The bill stipulates that the time frame for reconsideration for parole for individuals convicted of violent felonies will be increased from 24 months to 60 months.
• Impact on Parole Hearings: This change will affect the scheduling and frequency of parole hearings for violent felony offenders, potentially leading to fewer opportunities for early release.

Who Would Be Affected

• Individuals Convicted of Violent Felonies: The bill directly impacts those serving sentences for violent felony offenses, as they will face a longer wait before being eligible for parole reconsideration.
• Victims and Communities: The extended waiting period may be seen as a measure to protect victims and communities by ensuring that offenders have a longer period of rehabilitation before being considered for release.

Procedural Aspects

• Current Status: As of January 08, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Crime Victims, Crime and Correction committee for further consideration.
• Related Legislation: This bill is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions (e.g., S 2997, S 1483, S 2486) that may address similar issues regarding parole and violent offenses.

Conclusion

Bill S 142 seeks to modify the parole reconsideration timeline for violent felony offenders, reflecting a legislative focus on public safety and the management of violent crime. As it progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders, including law enforcement, victim advocacy groups, and rehabilitation organizations, will likely engage in discussions regarding its implications.