Bill

Bill > HB1424


MS HB1424

MS HB1424
Voting rights; require certain offenders to take voter education course and automatically restore voting right upon release from MDOC.


summary

Introduced
01/16/2026
In Committee
01/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Require The Department Of Corrections To Develop A Voter Education Course For Offenders; To Require Offenders Who Have Been Convicted Of Vote Fraud Or A Disenfranching Crime To Satisfactorily Complete The Course As A Condition Of Release; 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 Automatically Restored Once He Or She Has Satisfied All Of The Sentencing Requirements Of The Conviction And Been Released From The Custody Of The Mississippi Department Of Corrections; 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 requires the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) to develop a voter education course covering topics like registration, voting basics, ballot procedures, and civic duty, which must be neutral and nonpartisan. Offenders convicted of vote fraud or certain disenfranchising crimes must complete this course before being released from MDOC custody, though other offenders are encouraged to participate. Importantly, the bill automatically restores voting rights for individuals who have satisfied all sentencing requirements and been released from MDOC custody, regardless of whether they completed the voter education course, if their conviction was for vote fraud or a crime listed as disenfranchising in the Mississippi Constitution or subsequent Attorney General opinions. This change aims to streamline the restoration of voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals who have completed their sentences.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...