Habitual offender law; exclude drug and nonviolent offenses when computing prior offenses under.

HB 109 modifies Mississippi's habitual offender sentencing laws by preventing drug offenses and nonviolent crimes from counting toward the "two prior convictions" required for enhanced penalties. Specifically, it amends Sections 99-19-81 and 99-19-83 to exclude such convictions when determining eligibility for mandatory maximum sentences or life imprisonment under habitual offender statutes. The bill defines "nonviolent crime" as any offense not classified as violent under Section 97-3-2 of the Mississippi Code. This change directly affects individuals with prior drug or nonviolent offense convictions who might otherwise face harsher sentencing under habitual offender laws. The law would have taken effect July 1, 2026, but died in committee before passing.