Bill > HB653

This bill removes a previous prohibition that prevented commercial driver's license (CDL) holders from receiving nonadjudication for a first-time driving under the influence (DUI) offense. Under current law, individuals holding a commercial driver's license or commercial learning permit were ineligible for nonadjudication, which is a legal process where the court withholds a formal guilty verdict and places the offender in a supervision program. By eliminating this restriction, the bill would now allow CDL holders the same opportunity as other drivers to potentially have their first DUI offense nonadjudicated, meaning they could avoid a formal conviction if they successfully complete court-mandated requirements such as alcohol education programs, potential ignition interlock device installation, and other conditions. The bill specifies that this change will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving time for legal systems and departments to prepare for the implementation of this new provision. This modification could provide CDL holders with a chance to maintain their professional driving credentials after a first-time DUI offense, subject to the court's discretion and completion of required program conditions.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0653.xml