MS SB2848

Incarceration for nonpayment of fines, restitution, or court costs requires a hearing where the court must find the defendant willfully refused to pay and is not indigent (defined as income at or below 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines).

Aggregate incarceration time for nonpayment cannot exceed the maximum authorized sentence for the original offense.

Creates Mississippi Sentencing Disparity Task Force with 12 members to study and report on sentencing disparities in the state.

Modifies parole eligibility to allow inmates who have not been convicted of crimes of violence, drug trafficking, or as habitual offenders to be eligible for parole after serving 25% of their sentence.

Requires PEER to conduct a one-time census of jail populations throughout the state, collecting data on detainees by offense type, demographics, and sentence lengths by November 30, 2018.