A bill that would allow the chance at parole for youthful offenders failed in the Arkansas House on Thursday.
House Bill 1197, sponsored by Rep. Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville, failed with 29 voting for, 53 voting against and one voting present.
The bill would eliminate sentences of life without parole for offenders who committed crimes under the age of 18.
"Ours is the only country in the world that sentences children to die in prison," Leding said. "Some children just don't understand the long-term consequences of their actions."
Leding said the bill would not be retroactive and would only apply to new cases where these people would be eligible for parole after 20 years for non-homicidal crimes and 30 years for homicidal crimes.
Several representatives spoke against the bill and said those who commit "heinous" crimes should not be allowed out of prison.
"If you're heinous enough to commit capital murder, no matter what age you are you should have no chance to get out of prison," Rep. Rebecca Petty, R-Rogers, said. "This bill is a kick in the teeth to crime victims."
A few representatives said they believed that in certain situations, these offenders could be redeemed.
"As a Christian I believe in redemption, and I believe that there's a possibility that people can be redeemed," Rep. Camille Bennett, D-Lonoke, said. "If they need to stay in prison, trust me, the parole commission does a good job of that. Children make mistakes, children make very bad mistakes, but they are children."
See Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full coverage.
