Conn. Sentencing Commission to offer law changes

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Lawmakers are considering proposals from the Connecticut Sentencing Commission that would change juvenile sentences.

The General Assembly's Judiciary Committee is scheduled on Monday to hear testimony on a package of recommendations from the commission, which is charged with reviewing the state's criminal justice and sentencing policies and laws.

One proposal would allow juvenile offenders convicted of a serious crime and serving sentences of 60 years or less to be eligible for parole after serving one-half of their sentences, or 10 years, whichever is greater. Only offenders serving sentences of more than 10 years based on crimes they committed under the age of 18 would be eligible.

Juvenile offenders serving sentences of more than 60 years would be eligible for parole after serving 30 years, or half of a life sentence.