MS SB2244

Amends Mississippi Code Section 97-3-2 to revise the list of offenses classified as crimes of violence, including driving under the influence, murder, aggravated assault, manslaughter, kidnapping, human trafficking, rape, robbery, sexual battery, carjacking, child abuse, burglary of a dwelling, and explosives offenses.

Removes statutory rape (Section 97-3-65(1)) from the crimes of violence classification.

Adds exploitation of a child, gratification of lust, and shooting into a dwelling to the crimes of violence list.

Allows judges to classify any felony with a maximum sentence of at least 5 years as a crime of violence if facts show the defendant used or threatened physical force against another person.

Requires persons convicted of crimes of violence to serve at least 50% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole or early release from the Department of Corrections; effective July 1, 2021.