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Bill > HB229
MS HB229
MS HB229Parole eligibility; revise for certain offenders and require Parole Board hearing before release of certain inmates.
summary
Introduced
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
In Committee
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Amend Section 47-7-3, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide That Offenders Who Committed Offenses After June 30, 1995, And Such Offenders Are Sentenced For A Violent Offense May Be Eligible For Parole After Serving 25% Or Ten Years Of Their Sentences, Whichever Is Less, And To Extend The Date Of Repeal On This Section; To Amend Section 47-7-3.2, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide That Certain Offenders May Be Released By The Department Of Corrections After Serving A Certain Percentage Of A Sentence Imposed By The Court; To Amend Section 47-7-5, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Require An Affirmative Vote Of At Least Three Members Of The Parole Board To Grant Parole To An Inmate Convicted Of A Crime Of Violence After June 30, 1995; To Amend Section 47-7-13, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Require An Affirmative Vote Of At Least Four Members Of The Parole Board To Grant Parole To Certain Inmates Convicted Of Capital Murder Or A Sex Offense; To Delete The Requirement That The Principal Place For Conducting Parole Hearings By The State Parole Board Must Be At The State Penitentiary At Parchman; To Amend Section 47-7-15, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform To The Preceding Section; To Amend Section 47-7-17, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Authorize The Parole Board To Order A Psychiatric Or Psychological Examination When The Board Determines Such Examination Is Needed To Make A Parole Decision; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill revises parole eligibility rules for certain offenders in Mississippi, making several key changes to existing law. The bill modifies the percentage of time inmates must serve before becoming eligible for parole, particularly for violent offenses, reducing the required time from 50% to 25% or ten years, whichever is less. For violent crimes committed after June 30, 1995, inmates will now be eligible for parole after serving 25% of their sentence or ten years. The bill also changes the voting requirements for the Parole Board, requiring at least four members to vote in favor of parole for inmates convicted of capital murder or sex offenses, and at least three members for violent crimes. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement that parole hearings must be conducted at the State Penitentiary at Parchman and authorizes the Parole Board to order psychiatric or psychological examinations when needed to make parole decisions. The legislation provides more flexibility in parole considerations while maintaining safeguards for public safety, and it includes provisions for geriatric parole and allows certain offenders to petition for parole eligibility through the sentencing court. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes a sunset provision that repeals these sections on July 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0229.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2025/html/HB/0200-0299/HB0229IN.htm |
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