MS SB2171

Allows juvenile offenders (under age 18 at time of offense) convicted of first-degree, second-degree, or capital murder to be sentenced to life imprisonment or life without parole only after a judge-conducted sentencing proceeding without a jury, rather than mandatory life sentences.

Establishes alternative sentencing ranges for juveniles if a judge finds life imprisonment unjustified: 10-40 years for first-degree murder, 10-30 years for second-degree murder, and 20-50 years for capital murder.

Prohibits imposition of death sentences on defendants who were under 18 at the time of the offense and requires age consideration as a mitigating factor in capital sentencing.

Permits juveniles sentenced to life imprisonment or life without parole to become eligible for parole after serving at least 20 years, with courts required to consider the offender's youth, capacity for change, and whether they are incorrigible.

Makes these provisions retroactively applicable to all juvenile convictions regardless of when the offense was committed or conviction entered.