Juvenile Sentencing (H 7676, S 2846)

In March, the ACLU testified in support of legislation ensuring juveniles given lengthy prison sentences would have the opportunity to appear before the parole board within fifteen years after the start of their sentence. Experts agree that juveniles have an underdeveloped sense of responsibility, are more vulnerable to peer pressure, and are less capable than adults of perceiving and comprehending long term consequences. Yet, Rhode Island law continues to permit very long and even life without parole sentences of juveniles. The ACLU testified that ensuring individuals sentenced as juveniles come up for parole no later than fifteen years from the start of their sentence ensures they be given a chance to demonstrate the progress they have made to the parole board - who can make a determination whether or not the person is ready for release - early into their adulthood. Similar parole eligibility is supported by a wide range of groups including the American Bar Association, American Correctional Association, and American Probation and Parole Association. The bill was never voted on by either committee.