MS HB361

Creates "The Juvenile Offender Parole and Rehabilitation Act" to establish parole eligibility for juvenile offenders.

Changes the definition of "adult," "juvenile," "minor," and "youthful" in parole law from under/over 17 years old to under/over 18 years old.

Establishes that persons who committed offenses before age 18 and are not otherwise eligible for earlier parole become eligible for parole after serving 20 years of their sentence, subject to a parole board hearing.

Amends Section 47-7-3.2 to clarify that the juvenile offender 20-year parole eligibility provision applies despite other sentencing restrictions.

Effective date: July 1, 2024.