MS HB1261

Establishes the Inmate Early Release Task Force composed of 11 members including representatives from the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Department of Corrections, courts, Parole Board, prosecutors, sheriffs, public defenders, and victims' community.

Task force must review all murder convictions since July 1, 2000 for first-time offenders who were age 25 or younger at the time of the crime to assess whether mitigating circumstances were considered.

Requires the task force to submit annual reports to the Legislature, Governor, and Chief Justice by the first day of the second full week of each regular legislative session with recommendations for sentencing improvements.

Directs the task force to develop research and analysis systems to evaluate feasibility and budget impact of proposed legislation affecting murder sentence lengths for young first-time offenders.

Authorizes the task force to conduct annual continuing legal education seminars on sentencing guidelines for judges, prosecutors, and public defenders, and allows it to employ staff and accept grants to carry out its duties.