Missouri bill would give chance at parole for older inmates

(AP) A bill advancing in the Missouri Legislature would give certain older prisoners sentenced to life behind bars a chance at parole.

The legislation approved by the House on Thursday would allow parole hearings for inmates ages 65 or older who were sentenced to life in prison for a minimum of 50 years.

Under the bill, those offenders would get parole hearings after 30 years.

Convicted sex offenders and people with previous dangerous felony convictions wouldn’t qualify.

According to information provided to legislative researchers by the Corrections Department, an estimated 18 prisoners would qualify for the program by the end of June. Another 24 would become eligible in the next 10 years.

The legislation now heads to the state Senate for consideration.