Bill > HB230

This bill mandates automatic sentence commutation for certain nonviolent offenders and drug offenders in Mississippi who are currently serving sentences of five years or less in the physical custody of the Department of Corrections. Specifically, the bill requires that such individuals have their sentences immediately reduced to "time served," meaning they would be eligible for immediate release. The bill references Section 47-7-3 of the Mississippi Code, which defines nonviolent crimes as felonies not designated as crimes of violence, and includes provisions about parole eligibility for different types of offenses. By automatically commuting sentences for these specific categories of offenders, the bill aims to potentially reduce prison populations and provide more lenient treatment for individuals convicted of less serious, non-violent criminal offenses. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state corrections systems time to prepare for and implement the new sentencing commutation requirements. This approach represents a significant shift in how certain low-level offenders are processed within the Mississippi criminal justice system, potentially offering quicker paths to release for those convicted of nonviolent and drug-related crimes.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0230.xml