MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2002 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Horne, Formby, Baker, Cameron, Chism, Davis, Denny, Eaton, Ellington, Howell, Janus, Jennings, Lott, Martinson, Moore (60th), Nicholson, Robertson, Rotenberry, Smith (35th), Snowden, Stevens, Wells-Smith, Woods

House Bill 1621

(COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)

AN ACT TO CODIFY SECTION 99-19-18, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE A MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCE OF 1 YEAR FOR ANYONE CONVICTED OF EMBEZZLEMENT OR OTHER UNLAWFUL CONVERSION OF PUBLIC FUNDS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  The following shall be codified as Section 99-19-18, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972:

     99–19–18.  When any person is convicted of a felony or felonies in which public funds in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or more were unlawfully taken or obtained, the sentence imposed by the court shall include a minimum term of imprisonment of one (1) year in the custody of the Department of Corrections.  Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, such mandatory minimum term shall not be reduced or suspended nor shall such person be eligible for probation or parole before the expiration of one (1) year of incarceration.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2002.