MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Penitentiary

By: Representative Flaggs

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; TO DELETE THE PROVISION WHICH REQUIRES AN OFFENDER TO HAVE HAD A VERIFIABLE RESIDENCE IN MISSISSIPPI BEFORE HE MAY BE PLACED 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 * * * and (c) 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.