Relating to mandatory minimum sentences for certain criminal offenses, and making penalties applicable

This bill relates to mandatory minimum sentences for certain criminal offenses. The bill provides that a person found guilty of a forcible felony who was in the immediate possession and control of a dangerous weapon, displayed a dangerous weapon in a threatening manner, or was armed with a dangerous weapon while participating in the forcible felony shall serve a minimum of one-half of the sentence imposed by law. Current law requires the person to serve five years prior to eligibility for parole. The bill provides that a person sentenced as a habitual offender shall not be eligible for parole until the person has served a minimum of one-half of the sentence imposed by law.8 defines a habitual offender as any person convicted of a class “C” or a class “D” felony, who has twice before been convicted of any felony in a court of this or any other state, or of the United States.401D shall not be eligible for parole until the person has served a minimum of one-half of the sentence imposed by law rather than a minimum of years as provided by current law.6(5), shall be denied parole or work release until the person has served between one-half and seven-tenths of the maximum term of the person’s sentence. Current law requires the person to serve between three-tenths and seven-tenths of the maximum term. The bill provides that a person who has been convicted of a third or subsequent offense of domestic abuse assault shall be denied parole or work release until the person has served between one-half of the maximum term and the maximum term of the person’s sentence. Current law requires the person to serve between one-fifth of the maximum term and the maximum term of the person’s sentence.