MS SB2753

Adds a 10-year lookback period for habitual offender classification under Section 99-19-81, requiring that prior felony convictions occurred within the last 10 years to trigger mandatory maximum sentence.

Modifies Section 99-19-83 to apply only to crimes of violence and adds a 15-year lookback period for prior convictions, changing the mandatory life sentence requirement for habitual offenders convicted of violent crimes.

Creates a retroactive parole eligibility exception allowing prisoners convicted before the effective date who would not qualify as habitual offenders under the new standards to petition for parole consideration.

Permits judges to authorize parole eligibility for certain offenders who are not convicted as habitual offenders and have served 25% of their sentence, notwithstanding other parole prohibitions.

Effective date: July 1, 2020.