In a move to crack down on crime in the state, the Mississippi Legislature has passed a new bill aimed at toughening penalties for repeat offenders. The bill, known as the Repeat Offender Act, was approved by a wide margin in both the House and Senate and is expected to be signed into law by Governor John Smith next week.Under the new law, individuals who are convicted of a felony for the third time will face significantly harsher penalties than under current law. Repeat offenders will now be subject to mandatory minimum sentences and will be ineligible for parole or early release. In addition, the law establishes a "three strikes" rule, meaning that individuals who are convicted of a felony for the third time will automatically be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.Supporters of the bill say that it is necessary to ensure public safety and deter criminals from committing further offenses. "Repeat offenders pose a serious threat to our communities and it is our duty to take the necessary steps to protect our citizens," said State Senator Jane Doe, who sponsored the bill.Opponents of the bill argue that it is too harsh and will disproportionately affect minority and low-income communities. They also point out that mandatory minimum sentences have been shown to be ineffective in reducing crime rates and can lead to overcrowding in prisons.Despite the controversy, the Repeat Offender Act has been hailed as a significant victory for law enforcement and supporters of tough-on-crime policies. Governor Smith is expected to sign the bill into law next week, making Mississippi one of the latest states to adopt stricter penalties for repeat offenders.