Bill > HB201

This bill, known as the "Donald J. Trump Ban-the-Box Act," aims to prevent public employers in Mississippi from using an applicant's criminal history as an initial reason to deny them employment. "Public employer" is defined broadly to include state agencies, institutions, and other government instrumentalities. The act prohibits these employers from asking about an applicant's criminal record or history, which includes arrests, detentions, or formal charges, until after the applicant has been interviewed, has signed a waiver for a background check, and is being considered for a specific position. If a background check is conducted and reveals a criminal history, the employer must consider several factors before making a decision, such as the nature and seriousness of the offense, how long ago it occurred, the applicant's age at the time, its relation to the job duties, and evidence of rehabilitation. Arrests that did not lead to a conviction cannot be used to disqualify an applicant. The bill also requires employers to inform applicants of any potential adverse employment decision based on a background check and give them a chance to correct inaccuracies. This law applies to most public employers, with exceptions for positions requiring criminal history checks by state or federal law, such as those involving direct contact with minors or the elderly, and certain legal or legislative review roles. Complaints about violations will be handled in the circuit court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County, and the act takes effect on July 1, 2026.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0201.xml