MS HB1273

Reduces penalties for marijuana possession of 30 grams or less to a civil fine of $100-$250 (first offense), making it a civil rather than criminal offense, with criminal penalties only for subsequent violations within two years.

Allows nonviolent offenders who have served at least 10 years or are age 50 or older to petition the sentencing judge for parole eligibility; allows inmates sentenced to life imprisonment as minors for crimes of violence to become eligible for parole.

Repeals the 15 percent cap on earned-time allowances for sentences imposed after June 30, 1995, allowing eligible inmates to accrue up to 50 percent of their sentence as earned time.

Requires the Department of Corrections to completely segregate housing between nonviolent and violent offenders, and authorizes hardship driver's licenses for individuals whose licenses were suspended due to non-compliance with child support orders or incarceration.

Modifies habitual offender sentencing by restricting mandatory maximum sentences to crimes of violence convictions and allows courts discretion to reduce sentences by up to 75 percent under specified circumstances including offender cooperation with law enforcement.