MS HB981

Allows any person sentenced as a habitual offender in Mississippi to file a motion to vacate, set aside, or reduce their sentence, including those currently incarcerated, on parole, probation, or civilly committed

Petitioners become eligible to file the motion after serving at least 20% of their sentence or 15 years, whichever is less

Motions must be filed in the original trial court, unless the conviction was affirmed or appeal dismissed by the Mississippi Supreme Court, in which case approval from a quorum of Supreme Court Justices is required first

Required motion contents include identification of the original proceedings, date of conviction and sentence, statement of claims, and a sworn statement of specific facts explaining why relief should be granted

Judges must promptly review all submitted materials and may order the sentence vacated, set aside, or reduced, with reasons documented in the record