MS SB2466

Amends Section 99-19-83 to require a bifurcated (separate) sentencing proceeding before a jury to impose life imprisonment on habitual violent offenders.

Jury must unanimously find in writing that sufficient aggravating factors exist and that mitigating circumstances do not outweigh them before imposing enhanced sentence.

Limits aggravating circumstances to seven specific factors including crimes committed under sentence of imprisonment, creating great risk of death, avoiding arrest, or especially heinous/atrocious/cruel offenses.

Establishes mitigating circumstances including nature and seriousness of prior and current offenses, defendant's age, time between offenses, mental health or substance abuse issues, and level of participation in crimes.

If jury declines to apply the enhancement, court must impose the maximum term of imprisonment for the underlying felony; effective July 1, 2020.