MS HB988

Requires persons convicted of violent felony crimes to notify the State Parole Board when petitioning the Governor for a pardon, simultaneous with publishing the pardon petition as required by the Mississippi Constitution.

Mandates the Parole Board notify the district attorney and sheriff of the crime's county within seven days, and requests the district attorney schedule a public hearing on the possible pardon within thirty days of the petition publication.

Requires the convicted person to pay for publication of public hearing notice in a local newspaper for at least five consecutive days before the hearing date.

Defines "violent felony crime" to include homicide, robbery, manslaughter, sex crimes, arson, armed burglary of occupied dwelling, aggravated assault, kidnapping, abuse of vulnerable adult, child abuse, child exploitation, and specified offenses under Mississippi Code Sections 97-5-33, 97-5-39, and 63-11-30(5).

Requires the district attorney to submit a brief report of matters discussed at the public hearing to the Governor and Parole Board.