MS HB1271

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

Requires courts to conduct an evidentiary hearing to consider mitigating qualities of youth as required by U.S. Supreme Court precedent when sentencing a minor under age 18 for capital murder.

Allows minors convicted of capital murder to be eligible for parole unless the court sentences them to life without parole after conducting the required hearing.

Clarifies that nothing in the law precludes judges from sentencing minors with capital murder to life without parole.

Takes effect July 1, 2015.