It could be. Even on a second-degree murder conviction, the judge has the ability to impose life with eligibility for parole at the 25-year maximum. So in most cases I would agree with you, the parole ineligibility period is lessened, not necessarily by definition and certainly not by law. It could be as much as 25 years before he's eligible to apply.
On November 16th, 2010. See this statement in context.