MS HB1459

Brings forward sections 99-39-1 through 99-39-29 of the Mississippi Code (Mississippi Uniform Post-Conviction Collateral Relief Act) establishing procedures for post-conviction collateral relief motions and DNA testing of biological evidence.

Establishes a three-year statute of limitations for filing post-conviction relief motions, with exceptions for DNA evidence cases, intervening court decisions, and capital cases (one-year limit).

Authorizes courts to order DNA testing of biological evidence in post-conviction cases and specifies that the state bears testing costs for indigent petitioners at state or county forensics laboratories.

Extends the period during which a circuit court judge may place an offender on earned probation from one year to three years after the defendant has been delivered to the custody of the department.

Takes effect July 1, 2024.