Minnesota lawmakers considering bill to reduce sentences for minors

(St. Paul, MN) -- Minnesota lawmakers are considering a measure that would reduce the length of juvenile prison sentences.

The proposal is part of the Senate Omnibus Public Safety Bill and would give juveniles who were sentenced to life in prison as an adult a chance to petition the court for early release under certain conditions.

Under the proposal, juveniles service the maximum sentence could ask a judge to consider early release after 15 years.

Currently in Minnesota, minors can be sentenced to life in prison and are eligible for parole after serving 30 years of that sentence.