2008 House Bill 5829

Revise “lifer law” and related drug penalty provisions

Introduced in the House

Feb. 28, 2008

Introduced by Rep. Bert Johnson (D-5)

To shorten the amount of time a prisoner convicted of manufacturing, delivering or possessing serious narcotics or cocaine under the state's repealed "lifer law" must serve before becoming eligible for parole. This also applies to some individuals who are serving consecutive drug sentences for offenses under the old law.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

March 5, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 6, 2008

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Bert Johnson (D-5)

To tie-bar the bill to House Bill 6015, meaning this bill cannot become law unless that one does also. HB 6015 would make technical changes to certain sentencing provisions.

The amendment passed by voice vote

May 15, 2008

Passed in the House 92 to 16 (details)

To shorten the amount of time a prisoner convicted of manufacturing, delivering or possessing serious narcotics or cocaine under the state's repealed "lifer law" must serve before becoming eligible for parole.

Received in the Senate

May 20, 2008

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Dec. 19, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.