Bill > HB1580

This bill amends Mississippi law to add "being indicted for a crime" as an additional reason for removing a public official from office. Specifically, the bill modifies Section 25-5-5 of the Mississippi Code to expand the grounds for removal, which previously only included knowingly failing to perform duties required by law. The bill brings forward and preserves existing provisions related to the removal process for public officials, which involves a detailed procedure that includes filing a petition signed by a percentage of qualified electors, a review by the Governor and a council of chancery judges, and potentially a special removal election. The process applies to state, district, county, and municipal officers, and includes specific requirements for petition signatures, notification, hearings, and potential electoral challenges. The bill also maintains existing penalties for various improprieties during the removal process, such as fraudulently signing petitions or attempting to interfere with the petition circulation. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and provide a new mechanism for initiating the removal of a public official who has been indicted for a crime.

Government Affairs

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1580.xml