The board shall fix a minimum term for all persons committed to the custody of the department of corrections under a mandatory life sentence (except those committed under a life sentence without the possibility of parole) for a crime or crimes committed prior to July 1, 1984.

The minimum term for persons covered by this section shall be fixed within six months after the admission or readmission of the convicted person to the custody of the department of corrections, whichever is later. All hearings will be in-person. At least thirty days prior to the hearing, each convicted person will receive a packet of documents, pursuant to In Re Sinka (92 Wn.2d 555, 1979), containing information which the board will consider in setting a minimum term. Information contained in the documents may be refuted in writing prior to the hearing or in-person at the hearing.

At the conclusion of each hearing, the board panel will take a deferred decision. All terms will be established by a full board vote.