MS HB849

Amends Section 47-7-3 of the Mississippi Code to clarify parole eligibility for minors convicted of capital murder.

Requires courts to conduct an evidentiary hearing when sentencing a minor under age 18 for capital murder to consider mitigating factors related to youth, as mandated by United States Supreme Court precedent.

Allows judges discretion to sentence minors convicted of capital murder to life without parole or other sentences, rather than making life without parole mandatory.

Effective July 1, 2013.