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Legislators hear wide support for 'Second Look' law to let long‑served prisoners ask judges to reduce life terms
Summary
Lawmakers took hours of testimony on HB 853, a 'Second Look' bill allowing people who have served at least 20 years to petition a court for sentence review, drawing large panels of formerly incarcerated people, victims, defense lawyers and civil‑liberties groups.
Delegate Cheryl Pasteur introduced HB 853 (the “Second Look Act”), telling the committee the measure would create a judicial review process letting people who have served at least 20 years ask a judge to reconsider their sentences. “Second look is not a ‘get‑out‑of‑jail‑free’ card,” Pasteur said. “It is an assessment and an opportunity for review.”
The hearing drew one of the largest witness lists of the day: formerly incarcerated speakers who described reentry work and rehabilitation; survivors who said they favored a process that allows victims to be heard but still permits review;…
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