AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB486

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB486

Introduced
3/27/23  
Refer
3/27/23  

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning Parole Eligibility Of A Person Who Is Convicted Of An Offense Committed When He Or She Was A Minor.

Impact

The proposed changes will directly affect the Arkansas Code by providing clearer guidelines on when minors convicted of serious crimes can become eligible for parole. This ensures that the parole process is standardized for minors, as the law currently allows for varying interpretations that could lead to disparities in sentencing. Advocates for juvenile reform argue that such measures are necessary to provide minors who have aged during incarceration with a chance at rehabilitation and reintegration into society after serving significant time for their crimes.

Summary

Senate Bill 486 aims to amend the laws regarding the parole eligibility of individuals convicted of offenses committed as minors. The bill stipulates that a minor convicted of first-degree murder will be eligible for release on parole after serving twenty-five years, while those convicted of capital murder will have a thirty-year minimum sentence before potential parole eligibility. This adjustment in parole eligibility reflects a growing trend to reconsider how juvenile offenders are treated within the criminal justice system, particularly concerning serious offenses such as murder.

Contention

The bill may face opposition from those who believe that serving long sentences is essential for such grave offenses and that minors should be held fully accountable for their actions. Critics might argue that shortening the time before parole eligibility could undermine the severity of the crime committed, particularly in cases where high levels of violence or harm were inflicted on victims. This contrasts sharply with advocates who stress the importance of recognizing the capacity for growth and change in young offenders, suggesting that they should not be penalized indefinitely for actions taken before reaching adulthood.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB41

An Act For The Arkansas Minority Health Initiative Of The Department Of Health - Arkansas Minority Health Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB42

An Act For The Department Of Health - Arkansas Minority Health Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB77

To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR10

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

AR HR1013

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

AR HR1049

To Amend The Rules Of The House Of Representatives Of The Ninety-fourth General Assembly.

AR HCR1002

To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.

AR HR1004

To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.

AR SR23

To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.