Many people serving felony prison terms would face parole waits in 2028

The sentencing rules would require people serving felony prison terms to wait a set share of their sentences before parole eligibility. The class-based waits cover felony prison sentences, except when a judge suspends imposing a sentence or sends the case to an adult treatment court. For class C, D, and E felonies, the wait also depends on prior offenses and whether sex offender registration is required. People imprisoned for listed dangerous felonies must serve 85% of their sentence before parole. A longer wait required by another law still applies. These sentencing rules take effect January 1, 2028.

People who commit covered offenses would not qualify for conditional release for those offenses. The rule covers class A or B felonies and crimes in three specified parts of state law that require sex offender registration. Conditional release lets a person serve part of a prison sentence outside prison under supervision. The rule takes effect January 1, 2028, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Counties could agree to share a juvenile detention facility and seek voter approval for an optional sales tax to fund it. Counties in the same or adjoining court districts may take part. Each county seeking to share a facility must approve a plan and an agreement covering the counties in its court district. A sales tax of up to 1% on taxable sales requires approval from a majority of voters voting on the proposal in each county. An approved tax would begin on the first day of the second quarter after the approving election.

Police officers, sheriffs, and deputy sheriffs would send case referrals to prosecutors in a state-approved format. The rule covers traffic, local ordinance, misdemeanor, and felony cases referred to prosecutors. Felony referrals must include a statement of facts supporting the case and an investigation report. An agency that breaks this rule would lose eligibility for certain state or federal law enforcement, safety, or criminal justice funds. Agencies must comply by January 1, 2028, and keep doing so afterward.

Parents and caregivers would not commit child abuse or neglect solely by allowing suitable activities without adult supervision. This covers a child's parent or another person responsible for the child's care. The activity must fit the child's age, maturity, and physical and mental abilities. The protection does not apply if the lack of supervision is extremely careless and endangers the child's health or safety.