Bill > HB1951

This bill restores the right to vote (suffrage) to Charity Payne of Coahoma County, Mississippi, who was previously disqualified from voting due to a 2003 embezzlement conviction that resulted in a five-year prison sentence. Specifically, Payne was convicted in Tunica County and served her full sentence, being released on June 23, 2008, after completing her term with the Mississippi Department of Corrections. The bill notes that since her release, Payne has conducted herself as a law-abiding and honorable citizen. The legislation effectively reinstates her voting rights, which had been revoked due to her felony conviction, and will take effect immediately upon passage. This type of bill is sometimes used to individually restore voting rights to specific individuals who have completed their criminal sentences and demonstrated rehabilitation, a process that can vary by state and jurisdiction.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1951.xml