Habitual offenders; exclude nonviolent offenders.

HB 656 would change Mississippi's habitual offender laws by excluding nonviolent offenses, particularly drug-related convictions, from triggering mandatory prison sentences for repeat offenders. It specifically repeals Section 41-29-147, which previously imposed strict penalties for second or subsequent drug offenses. The bill would prevent individuals with prior nonviolent drug convictions from being classified as habitual offenders under Sections 99-19-81 and 99-19-83, which currently mandate maximum sentences or life imprisonment for repeat violent crime offenders. This policy change would directly affect people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses who have prior convictions, removing mandatory minimums that currently apply to such cases. The bill does not alter sentencing for violent crimes or other non-drug offenses.