Requests for DNA testing; clarify that they are excepted from bar on second or successive motions for post-conviction relief.
This bill clarifies that requests for DNA testing in post-conviction cases are exempt from Mississippi's rule barring second or successive motions. It explicitly adds that inmates who previously filed a motion can seek new DNA testing with untested evidence or advanced technology without being blocked by the "second motion" rule. This directly affects incarcerated individuals seeking to challenge convictions or sentences using newly available DNA evidence. The change amends Mississippi Code sections 99-39-23 and 99-39-27 to make this exception clear in post-conviction procedures.
Bill status
died
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2026
Last action Feb 3, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jan 16, 2026
Committee
Referred To Judiciary B
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Fred Shanks
RRepublican
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