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Bill > HB1159
MS HB1159
MS HB1159Voting rights; restore upon satisfaction of all of the sentencing requirements of a conviction.
summary
Introduced
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
In Committee
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
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, concerning voting rights in Mississippi, aims to automatically restore the right to vote to individuals convicted of certain crimes once they have fully completed all sentencing requirements, such as paying fines and completing probation. Previously, the right to vote was suspended upon conviction for vote fraud, crimes listed in Section 241 of the Mississippi Constitution, or other crimes deemed disenfranchising by Attorney General opinions, and restoration often required a pardon or specific action. The bill amends several sections of Mississippi law to reflect this change, ensuring that once a person has satisfied all aspects of their sentence, their right to vote is automatically reinstated and their name is re-entered into the state's voter registration system, known as the Statewide Elections Management System. The bill also includes provisions to bring forward existing laws regarding disenfranchisement for dueling and restoration of suffrage for honorable military service during specific war periods, for potential future 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/HB1159.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/1100-1199/HB1159IN.htm |
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