MS SB2116

Changes the definition of "adult" and "juvenile" from age 17 to age 18 in Mississippi's corrections code, making individuals 18 years or older legally classified as adults.

Establishes that juveniles who committed offenses before turning 18 and are not otherwise eligible for parole earlier shall be eligible for parole after serving 20 years of their sentence, with a required parole hearing before the Parole Board.

Exempts juvenile offenders from mandatory minimum release requirements under Section 47-7-3.2, allowing alternative sentencing and parole consideration in compliance with U.S. Supreme Court decisions in Miller v. Alabama and Graham v. Florida.

Requires the Corrections and Criminal Justice Oversight Task Force to submit annual recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on juvenile and habitual offender parole reform by December 1st.

Takes effect July 1, 2023.