MS SB2154

Juvenile offenders (under 18 at time of offense) serving sentences under 30 years become parole-eligible after serving 25% of their term; those serving 30+ years or life become eligible after serving 10 years

Requires a separate sentencing proceeding with jury deliberation before a juvenile convicted of capital murder can be sentenced to life without parole, with specific written findings required

Jury must unanimously find aggravating circumstances outweigh mitigating circumstances to impose life without parole, considering factors like the defendant's immaturity, home environment, and rehabilitation potential

Mitigating circumstances include the defendant's age, capacity to appreciate criminality, acting under duress, family environment, and possibility of rehabilitation

Exempts juvenile offenders from standard parole ineligibility provisions that apply to adult offenders, effective July 1, 2021