More than 45 juvenile offenders now serving life without parole could return to the community within as little as 30 years under legislation introduced late last week.

Colorado changed its sentencing structure in 2006 for teens convicted of the most serious criminal offenses, making them eligible for parole after 40 years in prison.

But that legislation didn’t affect those already serving life sentences. House Bill 1287 would apply the 40-year rule retroactively.

It would also make teens tried as adults eligible for placement in community corrections 30 years after their incarceration with approval from the executive director of the state Department of Corrections.

The offenders would have to remain under supervision for another decade.

Reps. Claire Levy, D-Boulder, and B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, are prime sponsors on HB 1287.