MS SB2022

Prohibits death sentences for defendants under age 18 at time of offense, effective July 1, 2024, in compliance with U.S. Supreme Court precedent in Roper v. Simmons.

Allows juvenile offenders convicted of first-degree murder to receive 20-40 years imprisonment if jury does not impose life sentence; allows capital murder convictions to result in 25-50 years imprisonment if jury does not impose life or life without parole.

Requires judges to conduct resentencing hearings for juvenile offenders previously convicted of first-degree or capital murder before July 1, 2024, to comply with Miller v. Alabama standards.

Clarifies that district attorney recusal from a case is distinct from absence or inability to perform duties, allowing recusal without triggering appointment of substitute counsel.

Requires appointment of substitute counsel to reimburse travel expenses from the judicial district of the absent district attorney when prosecution requires travel beyond normal employment district.