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Bill > HB862
MS HB862
MS HB862Voting rights; restore upon satisfaction of all of the sentencing requirements of conviction of a felony.
summary
Introduced
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
In Committee
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
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 A Felony 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, concerning voting rights in Mississippi, proposes to automatically restore the right to vote to individuals convicted of a felony once they have fully completed all sentencing requirements, such as paying fines, completing probation, or serving their sentence. Previously, the law specified that certain crimes, including vote fraud and those listed in the Mississippi Constitution, were "disenfranchising," meaning they resulted in the loss of voting rights. This bill simplifies that by focusing on any felony conviction. The changes aim to streamline the process of restoring voting rights by making it automatic upon completion of sentencing, rather than requiring a separate pardon or action, and will be reflected in the state's electronic voter registration system, known as the Statewide Elections Management System (SEMS). The bill also includes provisions to bring existing laws regarding disenfranchisement and restoration of suffrage for military service up to date 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/HB0862.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/0800-0899/HB0862IN.htm |
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