MS HB319

Amends Section 47-5-139 to allow inmates sentenced to life imprisonment who are age 65 or older and have served at least 15 years to petition the sentencing court for conditional release, except those sentenced to life imprisonment for capital murder.

Clarifies that inmates convicted as habitual offenders, those convicted of sex crimes, and those who have not served mandatory parole eligibility time for robbery or attempted robbery with a deadly weapon remain ineligible for earned time allowance.

Brings forward Section 47-7-3 regarding parole eligibility requirements, including provisions for age-based parole consideration at age 60 with 10 years served, subject to various exclusions.

Establishes that inmates cannot use earned time, good time, or other administrative time reductions to reduce the time necessary to serve before becoming parole eligible.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.