MS SB2379

Amends Mississippi's crime of violence classification to require jury determination rather than judge determination for whether burglary and certain felonies with maximum sentences of 5+ years qualify as crimes of violence

Requires prosecutors to provide notice on the information or indictment when seeking to classify an offense as a crime of violence, with notice given separately from the substantive charges

Establishes a separate sentencing phase where the jury must find beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant used physical force, made a credible threat of physical force, or used a deadly weapon during the offense

Removes the provision allowing persons convicted of crimes of violence to become eligible for parole after serving 50% of their sentence, making them ineligible for parole or early release entirely unless otherwise provided by law

Effective date of July 1, 2021