Texas lawmakers have approved new mandatory sentencing for minors convicted of capital murder.
It would require a life sentence with the opportunity for parole for 17-year-olds convicted of the crime, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down mandatory life without parole for minors
State , D-El Paso, said even though the bill would offer a possibility for parole after 40 years, most inmates don鈥檛 live that long in prison.
"I mean this is essentially a life without parole sentence, because if you鈥檙e not eligible for parole for 40 years and your average life expectancy 鈥� according to the 鈥� is about 29 years while you鈥檙e incarcerated, the likelihood is you ain鈥檛 getting out,鈥� Rodriguez said.
The unanimously approved the bill Wednesday.
It鈥檚 among the issues added to the special session this week. The full Texas Senate could take up the bill tomorrow.
