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Bill > HB451
MS HB451
MS HB451Voting rights; restore upon satisfaction of all of the sentencing requirements of a conviction.
summary
Introduced
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
In Committee
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Amend Section 23-15-11, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide That A Person Who Is Otherwise A Qualified Elector And Has Been Convicted Of Vote Fraud, Of Any Crime Listed In Section 241, Mississippi Constitution Of 1890, Or Of Any Crime Interpreted As Disenfranchising In Later Attorney General Opinions, Shall Have His Or Her Right To Vote Suspended Upon Conviction But Shall Have His Or Her Right To Vote Automatically Restored Once He Or She Has Satisfied All Of The Sentencing Requirements Of The Conviction; To Amend Sections 23-15-19, 23-15-125, 23-15-151, 23-15-153 And 23-15-165, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform To The Preceding Section; To Bring Forward Sections 97-39-3 And 99-19-37, Mississippi Code Of 1972, For The Purpose Of Possible Amendment; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill amends Mississippi law to restore voting rights to individuals convicted of certain crimes, specifically vote fraud or crimes listed in Section 241 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, or any crime previously interpreted as disenfranchising by the Attorney General. Previously, such convictions led to a permanent loss of voting rights unless pardoned. Under this bill, a person's right to vote will be suspended upon conviction but will be automatically restored once they have fully completed all sentencing requirements, such as paying fines, completing probation, or serving jail time. The bill also makes conforming changes to other sections of the law related to voter registration and the maintenance of voter rolls, ensuring that the Statewide Elections Management System (SEMS), which is the official record of registered voters, is updated to reflect these restored voting rights. Existing laws regarding disqualification from holding office for fighting duels or dishonorable military service are also brought forward for potential amendment.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0451.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/0400-0499/HB0451IN.htm |
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