Lake Area State Senator Files Bill To Modify Parole Eligibility For Underage Offenders

Lake area Senator Mike Bernskoetter has introduced a bill that modifies the eligibility of parole for then-underaged offenders who are convicted of second-degree murder.

Under current Missouri law, when a person under 18-years-old is sentenced to 15 years or more, that person is eligible for parole after serving 15 years UNLESS it’s time being served for a first-degree murder conviction.

Under Bernskoetter’s pre-filed Senate Bill, a person convicted of second-degree murder while under the age 18 will also be ineligible for any parole.

Similar bills have been considered in the past by the General Assembly but failed to get to the governor’s desk for his signature.

The 2024 General Assembly begins on Wednesday.