MS HB952

Allows offenders convicted of crimes of violence between July 1, 1995 and July 1, 2014 to be considered for parole by the Parole Board if the sentencing judge (or senior circuit judge if the sentencing judge is retired, disabled, or incapacitated) authorizes parole consideration after serving at least 10 years of their sentence.

Requires offenders convicted of violent crimes to have served at least 10 years (or if sentenced to life, at least 10 years of the life sentence) and maintained a good conduct record to be eligible for parole consideration under judicial authorization.

Applies retroactively to crimes committed on or after July 1, 1995, allowing previously ineligible violent offenders to petition for parole eligibility through judicial discretion.

Modifies Section 47-5-138 to clarify that earned-time allowance provisions do not apply to sentences imposed after June 30, 1995, except as otherwise provided in parole eligibility statutes.

Takes effect July 1, 2023.