MS SB2563

Amends Section 97-3-2 of Mississippi Code to remove the reference to parole eligibility for persons convicted of crimes of violence.

Persons convicted of crimes of violence must serve at least 50% of their sentence before becoming eligible for early release from the Department of Corrections.

Crime of violence classifications include murder, rape, robbery, kidnapping, burglary of a dwelling, carjacking, and 16 other specified offenses.

Judges may classify felony offenses with maximum sentences of at least 5 years as crimes of violence if facts show the defendant used physical force or made credible threats of physical force against another person.

Effective date is July 1, 2016.