MS SB2048

Allows juvenile offenders (under 18 at time of crime) to be released on parole after serving 25% of sentences under 30 years, or 10 years of sentences of 30 years or life, provided they maintain good conduct records.

Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury for juveniles convicted of capital murder to determine whether they receive life imprisonment or life without parole eligibility.

Jury must unanimously find that the defendant actually killed or intended a killing, sufficient aggravating circumstances exist, and mitigating circumstances do not outweigh aggravating factors, with specific consideration of the defendant's age and juvenile characteristics.

Establishes specific mitigating factors for juvenile capital cases including age at time of crime, immaturity, rehabilitation potential, family background, and whether youth-related incompetency affected the charges or conviction.

Effective July 1, 2015; amends Mississippi Code Section 47-7-3 to exclude juvenile offenders from parole ineligibility provisions and exempt them from other sentencing restrictions that apply to adult offenders.