(a)  When a person who is serving a sentence imposed as the result of an offense or offenses committed when he or she was less than eighteen years of age becomes eligible for parole pursuant to applicable provisions of law, the parole board shall ensure that he or she is provided a meaningful opportunity to obtain release and shall adopt rules and guidelines to do so, consistent with existing law.

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(b)  During a parole hearing involving a person described in subsection (a) of this section, in addition to other factors required by law or under the parole guidelines set forth by the parole board, the parole board shall also take into consideration the diminished culpability of juveniles as compared to that of adults and any subsequent growth and increased maturity of the prisoner during incarceration. The board shall also consider the following:

(1)  A review of educational and court documents;

(2)  Participation in available rehabilitative and educational programs while in prison;

(3)  Age at the time of the offense;

(4)  Immaturity at the time of the offense;

(5)  Home and community environment at the time of the offense;

(6)  Efforts made toward rehabilitation;

(7)  Evidence of remorse; and

(8)  Any other factors or circumstances the board considers relevant.

(c)  The parole board shall have access to all relevant records and information in the possession of any state official or agency relating to the board’s consideration of the factors detailed in the foregoing sections.