MS SB2625

Requires a jury to determine whether a violent habitual offender convicted of a third felony (with at least one being a crime of violence) receives a life sentence, rather than making life imprisonment mandatory.

If the jury declines to impose life imprisonment, the court must sentence the defendant to the maximum term prescribed for the underlying felony, subject to any applicable enhancements.

Establishes specific aggravating circumstances the jury may consider, including crimes committed while under sentence, crimes creating great risk of death, crimes to avoid arrest, and crimes that are especially heinous, atrocious or cruel.

Lists mitigating circumstances for jury consideration including the defendant's age, time between offenses, mental health or substance abuse problems, and the degree of harm caused in prior and current offenses.

Requires the jury to unanimously find in writing that aggravating factors exist and that mitigating circumstances are insufficient to outweigh them before imposing an enhanced sentence; effective July 1, 2024.