Senate Bill 2223 Summary

• Adds terrorism-related aggravating factors to capital murder sentencing, including acts committed to influence government policy by intimidation or coercion, or to affect government conduct by mass destruction or assassination.

• Adds another terrorism aggravating factor for capital offenses committed to intimidate or coerce a civilian population.

• Clarifies that peaceful picketing, boycotts, and nonviolent action do not constitute "intimidation" or "coercion" under the new aggravating circumstances.

• Extends champerty and maintenance prohibitions to attorneys licensed in any state (not just Mississippi) and to persons, firms, and organizations from any state, preventing improper inducements to bring legal claims.

• Takes effect July 1, 2013.