An Act to reduce mass incarceration

This bill aims to reduce mass incarceration by expanding parole eligibility for certain prisoners currently serving life sentences in Massachusetts. It removes specific exclusions that previously barred individuals with multiple life sentences or those convicted of first-degree murder as minors from applying for parole. Under the new rules, prisoners serving multiple life sentences would become eligible for parole 25 years after their most recent conviction began, and courts would be required to set a minimum prison term of 25 years for first-degree murder cases. Additionally, the legislation adjusts the minimum parole term for juveniles who commit murder before their 18th birthday, ensuring they are not automatically excluded from future parole consideration.