MS SB2261

Amends Mississippi Code Section 97-3-2 to revise the list of offenses classified as crimes of violence, including driving under the influence, murder, aggravated assault, manslaughter, kidnapping, rape, robbery, carjacking, and burglary of a dwelling.

Removes statutory rape as an automatically classified crime of violence.

Adds exploitation of a child, gratification of lust, and shooting into a dwelling to the crimes of violence list.

Allows judges to classify any felony offense with a maximum sentence of at least 5 years as a crime of violence if the defendant used or threatened physical force against another person.

Requires persons convicted of crimes of violence to serve at least 50% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole or early release.

Takes effect July 1, 2023.