Bill > HB497

This bill establishes an automatic expungement process for certain misdemeanor and felony convictions in Mississippi, allowing for up to four misdemeanor convictions and two felony convictions to be automatically cleared from a person's record. For misdemeanors, the record will be automatically expunged seven years after sentencing or completion of sentence, while felonies will be automatically expunged ten years after sentencing or completion of sentence, with some exceptions for serious crimes like violent offenses, arson, drug trafficking, and sex offender registration failures. The Department of Public Safety is required to develop a computer-based program to implement these automatic expungements by July 1, 2026, and create an electronically accessible record of expunged convictions. The bill also modifies existing law to allow for two felony expungements instead of one, and clarifies that "one conviction" includes all convictions arising from a common set of facts. The changes aim to provide a pathway for individuals to have certain past criminal records automatically cleared after a specified period, potentially helping to reduce barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities for those who have completed their sentences and demonstrated rehabilitation.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0497.xml