MS HB1440

Defines "juvenile offender" as a person under 18 years old at the time of the offense and establishes separate sentencing guidelines for juveniles convicted of murder crimes.

Prohibits death sentences for juvenile offenders; those convicted of capital murder may be sentenced to life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole eligibility if the jury so decides.

Requires courts to impose 25-50 year sentences for juveniles convicted of capital murder if the jury fails to fix the sentence, 20-40 years for first-degree murder, and 15-30 years for second-degree murder.

Amends capital murder sentencing procedures to explicitly prohibit death sentences for defendants under 18 at time of offense, requiring jury findings that the defendant was at least 18 years old to impose capital punishment.

Makes the new sentencing provisions retroactively applicable to all juvenile offenders regardless of when the offense was committed, arrest made, or conviction entered; takes effect July 1, 2024.