MS HB1296

Amends Section 63-11-30 to revise DUI penalties and procedures, including changing the timeline for license suspension from 15 to 30 days after court abstract receipt for first-time offenders.

Excludes persons convicted of DUI involving controlled substances from exercising the privilege of driving under an interlock-restricted license, as specified in amended Section 63-11-31(1)(c)(iii).

Modifies nonadjudication provisions to allow offenders to choose between installing an ignition interlock device for 120 days or accepting a 120-day license suspension, and extends court jurisdiction over nonadjudication cases to a maximum of two years.

Updates charging requirements to specify that affidavits or indictments need only state the number of prior DUI convictions within five years to determine sentencing enhancements, rather than enumerating each conviction separately.

Effective date: July 1, 2015.