MS HB348

Creates the "Youthful Offender Law" allowing circuit courts to sentence offenders who committed felonies before age 21 (and are at least 18) as youthful offenders, excluding those convicted of capital offenses or sentenced to life imprisonment

Authorizes sentencing options including probation/parole for up to 6 years, incarceration in county facilities or residential centers for up to 364 days, or split sentences with 1-4 years incarceration followed by supervised release

Limits total combined incarceration and supervision period to 6 years maximum, and offenders may only be classified as youthful offenders once

Exempts youthful offenders from standard parole restrictions that apply to sex offenses, murder, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and other violent crimes, allowing earlier parole eligibility

Removes the 15% earned-time allowance limitation for offenders under age 21 sentenced as youthful offenders, effective July 1, 2023