MS SB2362

Establishes alternative sentencing guidelines for juvenile offenders (under 18 at time of offense) convicted of murder: first-degree murder carries up to 40 years (or 10-20 years if jury cannot agree), second-degree murder up to 30 years (or 5-15 years), and capital murder up to 50 years (or 15-25 years)

Eliminates life without parole as a sentencing option for juveniles convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or capital murder

Makes juvenile offenders convicted of murder eligible for parole after serving 25% of a definite sentence or 10 years of a life sentence, with retroactive application to juveniles convicted before July 1, 2021

Requires the State Parole Board to establish methods for determining tentative parole hearing dates for eligible juvenile offenders convicted before July 1, 2021, with rules to be established by December 31, 2021

Requires the Department of Corrections to complete case plans and notify eligible juvenile offenders convicted before July 1, 2021, of their parole eligibility dates by December 31, 2021