MS HB311

Clarifies that minimum time served requirements (50% for crimes of violence, 25% for other offenses) apply only to individuals convicted on or after July 1, 2014, and do not apply to those convicted before that date.

Specifies that parole ineligibility for crimes of violence, sex crimes, and certain other offenses does not apply to offenders convicted before July 1, 2014.

Allows nonviolent offenders convicted before July 1, 2014, to petition their sentencing judge for parole consideration after serving at least 25% of their sentence.

Permits any offender who has not committed a crime of violence and has served 25% or more of their sentence to be considered for parole with sentencing judge authorization, regardless of conviction date.

Takes effect upon passage.