Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill allowing offenders convicted of nonviolent crimes after June 30, 1995 to be eligible for parole.

Highlights:

- Allows offenders convicted of nonviolent crimes to be eligible for parole after serving 25% of their sentence if they displayed good behavior and followed the rules of the Department of Corrections [Sec. 1 (1)]. -Exempts the possession and distribution of marijuana and the distribution and sale of prescription drugs from violent crimes [Sec. 1 (1)(g)]. - Designates carjacking child exploitation, and repeated auto theft or burglary as violent crimes [Sec. 1 (1)(g)]. - Provides that an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces shall be taken into account when determining parole eligibility [Sec. 1 (3)]. - Repeals section 47-7-6 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 barring appointment to the State Parole Board if an individual, or a member of his/her immediate family, contributed more than $500 to the election campaign of the Governor (Sec. 2). -Takes effect upon passage (Sec. 3). -Substitute offered by House Corrections Committee on 02/25/2008.

Full Bill Text