summary
Introduced
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
In Committee
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Be Known As The "mississippi Second Chance Act"; To Amend Section 47-7-3, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise Parole Eligibility For Persons Sentenced For Crimes Of Violence; To Provide That Persons Sentenced For Certain Violent Offenses Shall Be Eligible For Parole After Serving Fifty Percent Or Fifteen Years, Whichever Is Less, Of The Sentence Or Sentences Imposed; To Provide Parole Eligibility For Persons Sentenced For Murder In The First Degree After Serving Twenty-five Years And For Persons Sentenced For Murder In The Second Degree After Serving Twenty Years; To Amend Section 47-7-3.2, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Decrease The Number Of Years Served For Committing Certain Crimes Of Violence Before Being Released By The Department Of Corrections; To Amend Sections 99-19-81, 99-19-83, And 99-19-87, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide Parole Eligibility For Persons Sentenced As Habitual Offenders After Serving Ten Years; To Provide That These Amendments Shall Apply Retroactively; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Mississippi Second Chance Act," revises parole eligibility for individuals convicted of certain crimes, particularly those involving violence. It modifies existing laws to allow individuals sentenced for murder in the first degree to be eligible for parole after serving 25 years, and those sentenced for murder in the second degree after 20 years. For other violent offenses, parole eligibility is set at serving 50% or 15 years of the sentence, whichever is less. The bill also introduces parole eligibility for individuals sentenced as habitual offenders, allowing them to be considered after serving 10 years. Importantly, these changes are made retroactive to July 1, 1995, meaning they will apply to sentences imposed on or after that date, and the Department of Corrections and Parole Board are required to recalculate eligibility dates and implement necessary rules.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)
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/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1517.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/1500-1599/HB1517IN.htm |
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