MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Penitentiary

By: Representative Moak

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 99-20-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT ONLY OFFENDERS WHO HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF NONVIOLENT OFFENSES MAY PARTICIPATE IN A COMMUNITY SERVICE RESTITUTION PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 99-20-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

99-20-5. In order to qualify for participation in a community service restitution program, the defendant must: (a) be a first offender, (b) be convicted of a nonviolent * * * offense that would constitute a felony, (c) have had a verifiable residence in Mississippi for at least three (3) months and (d) not have drug, alcohol or emotional problems so serious that he or she appears unlikely to be able to meet the obligations of the community service sentence.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.