MS SB2162

Establishes sentencing guidelines for juveniles (under 18) convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or capital murder, with sentences ranging from 10-50 years instead of life without parole.

Makes juvenile offenders convicted of these offenses eligible for parole after serving 25% of a definite sentence or 10 years of a life sentence, with retroactive application to all prior juvenile convictions.

Allows certain juvenile offenders to be released from Department of Corrections custody before serving 50% of their sentence, modifying the standard violent crime parole restriction.

Requires the State Parole Board to establish methods for determining tentative parole hearing dates for eligible juvenile offenders convicted before July 1, 2020, with case plans to be completed by December 31, 2020.

Effective date is July 1, 2020, with retroactive application to juvenile offenders regardless of when the offense was committed.