MS SB2554

Offenders who committed felonies before age 18 become eligible for parole after serving 25% of sentences under 30 years, or after serving 10 years for sentences of 30 years or more (including life imprisonment)

Establishes a separate sentencing proceeding for juveniles convicted of capital murder to determine whether they receive life imprisonment with or without parole eligibility

Requires a jury to unanimously find specific aggravating factors and insufficient mitigating circumstances before imposing life without parole on juvenile offenders, including written findings that the defendant actually killed and intended the killing

Mitigating circumstances the jury must consider include the defendant's age, immaturity, family environment, potential for rehabilitation, and whether they acted under duress or the influence of another person

The State Parole Board must establish tentative parole hearing dates within 90 days of taking custody of eligible juvenile offenders, with the act taking effect July 1, 2022