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Read. Follow. Verify.Missouri bill allows certain older life-without-parole inmates to seek release after 30 years
Last action · January 27, 2026: Second Read and Referred S Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence CommitteeSponsor: Steve Roberts
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What This Bill Would Do
Certain incarcerated individuals serving life-without-parole sentences for offenses committed before October 1, 1984, become eligible for a parole hearing after serving at least 30 years, provided they meet specific age, conduct, and criminal history criteria. The Parole Board evaluates whether there is a reasonable probability the offender will remain law-abiding upon release, requiring a record of good conduct, self-rehabilitation, a workable , and appropriate risk and mental health scores. Offenders granted parole are placed under supervision by the division of probation and parole for a minimum of five years.
Establishes a structured pathway to parole review for long-serving elderly inmates who previously faced life imprisonment without the possibility of release, requiring at least five years of post-release supervision.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
offenders serving life without parole for offenses committed prior to October 1, 1984
Inmates meeting the age, time-served, and criminal history criteria become eligible to receive parole hearings and potential release under supervision.
Parole Board
The board is required to conduct parole hearings and evaluate release candidates based on conduct, rehabilitation, parole plans, and risk and mental health scores.
division of probation and parole
The division must provide a minimum of five years of supervision for any offender granted parole under this section.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a parole hearing under SB 1226?
What conditions must an offender meet to be released on parole under this act?
How long does supervision last for an offender released under this act?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
3 actions- Jan 27, 2026SenateFloorSecond Read and Referred S Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee
- Jan 7, 2026SenateIntroducedS First Read
- Dec 1, 2025SenatePrefiled
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. The text on record is the 5074S.01I - Introduced version. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
www.senate.mo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy50Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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