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Senate committee rejects bill to extend parole consideration to people sentenced at 19–20
Summary
After hours of testimony from survivors, prosecutors, formerly incarcerated people and volunteers, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted down SB 591, a proposal to allow parole consideration for those sentenced at 19 or 20 under Act 539 (2017). Supporters cited neuroscience and rehabilitation; opponents cited trauma to victims and procedural concerns over retroactivity.
Little Rock — The Senate Judiciary Committee declined to advance Senate Bill 591 on Tuesday, rejecting a proposal that would have given people who were 19 or 20 when sentenced a chance to seek parole under the framework established by Act 539 of 2017.
Proponents framed the proposal as a narrow, science‑based expansion of the 2017 law. "Our brains just aren't really fully developed until we're about the age of 25," Sen. Greg Lelling said in opening remarks. Laura Berry, a formerly incarcerated person who said she was sentenced at 17 and released after Act 539, told the committee, "It was not an automatic reset button ... they have to show a growth and an accountability over the years for the board to give you…
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