Parole eligibility date; nonviolent inmate may be released in discretion of State Parole Board.

SB 2036 clarifies that nonviolent Mississippi inmates eligible for parole may be released without a hearing to parole supervision on their parole eligibility date, at the State Parole Board’s discretion, if they meet specific conditions. These conditions include completing their parole case plan, having no recent violations, securing victim consent (or no victim request for a hearing), agreeing to supervision terms, and having an approved discharge plan. The bill does not change who qualifies for parole eligibility but streamlines the process for compliant nonviolent inmates who meet these criteria. It maintains requirements for hearings if victims request one, if there are public safety concerns raised by law enforcement, or if the inmate hasn’t met case plan requirements. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.