MS SB2340

Establishes parole eligibility for offenders convicted of felonies committed before age 18, with eligibility after serving 25% of sentences under 30 years or 10 years of sentences 30+ years or life sentences.

Requires a separate sentencing proceeding for juveniles convicted of capital murder to determine whether to impose life imprisonment without parole or life imprisonment, conducted before a jury with specific written findings.

Mandates jury consideration of aggravating circumstances (10 enumerated factors), mitigating circumstances (10 enumerated factors including juvenile age and potential for rehabilitation), and actual/intended killing or contemplated lethal force before imposing life without parole.

Requires unanimous jury finding of aggravating circumstances and insufficient mitigating circumstances to impose life without parole, with written findings of fact supporting the decision.

Amends Section 47-7-3 to exempt offenders under 18 when committing their offenses from parole ineligibility provisions and allow parole eligibility consistent with the new framework, effective July 1, 2019.