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MS SB2227
Bill
AI Summary
- Amends Mississippi's violent habitual offender statute to require a jury to decide whether to impose mandatory life imprisonment, rather than making it automatic upon conviction
- If the jury declines to impose life imprisonment, the court must sentence the defendant to the maximum term for the underlying felony instead
- Establishes a separate sentencing proceeding where both prosecution and defense can present evidence and arguments regarding aggravating and mitigating circumstances
- Lists seven aggravating factors including: offense committed while under sentence of imprisonment, creating great risk of death to many persons, especially heinous or cruel conduct, and offenses intended to influence government policy through intimidation
- Lists eight mitigating factors including: nature and seriousness of prior offenses, defendant's age, time between offenses, mental health issues, substance abuse problems, and level of participation in offenses
- Effective date of July 1, 2026
Legislative Description
Violent habitual offender; require jury determination.
Last Action
Died In Committee
2/3/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary, Division B1/14/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available