Bill > HB1614

This bill amends Mississippi Code Section 99-19-71 to modify expungement rules for criminal convictions, with a particular focus on human trafficking victims and prostitution-related offenses. The bill removes the "first offender" requirement for misdemeanor expungement and clarifies that pardoned convictions can still be considered when determining expungement eligibility. Importantly, the bill adds two new categories of felonies that cannot be expunged: procuring prostitution and promoting prostitution. The legislation allows victims of human trafficking an additional opportunity to expunge a prostitution conviction, recognizing the complex circumstances surrounding such offenses. Under the revised law, individuals seeking felony expungement must wait five years after successfully completing their sentence and demonstrate rehabilitation to the court. The district attorney must receive ten days' notice before any expungement hearing, and if granted, the expungement restores the person to their legal status prior to the arrest or conviction. The bill includes provisions that allow for a nonpublic record to be retained by the Mississippi Criminal Information Center and district attorney's office for specific purposes. This legislation aims to provide a pathway for individuals to clear their criminal records under certain conditions while maintaining restrictions on expungement for serious offenses. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will be automatically repealed on June 30, 2025.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1614.xml