MS SB2244

Defines "juvenile offender" as a person under 18 years old at the time of the offense and prohibits death sentences for defendants who were under 18 at the time of the crime.

Allows juvenile offenders convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or capital murder to receive life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole eligibility, determined by a judge in a separate sentencing proceeding without a jury.

If a judge finds life imprisonment unjustified for a juvenile offender, establishes mandatory minimum and maximum sentences: 20-40 years for first-degree murder, 15-30 years for second-degree murder, and 25-50 years for capital murder.

Applies these sentencing provisions retroactively to all juvenile offenders regardless of when the offense was committed, arrest was made, or conviction was entered.

Takes effect July 1, 2022, in compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Miller v. Alabama.