Bill > HB1661

This bill establishes the State Suffrage Restoration Panel as an alternative process for individuals convicted of certain crimes to regain their right to vote, supplementing the existing method outlined in Section 253 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890. The panel will consist of five members appointed by various state officials and representatives of legal associations. To be eligible for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, an applicant must have been convicted of specific disenfranchising crimes, have no pending felony charges, have been released from supervision for at least five years with no new convictions (excluding minor traffic offenses), have paid all fines and restitution, and have successfully completed probation or parole. The panel will investigate applications, consider supporting and opposing information, and issue a certificate if the applicant meets the criteria and there's no good cause to deny it. This process does not prevent individuals from pursuing restoration of voting rights through the legislative process, and correctional facilities will be required to post information about these restoration procedures. The bill also amends existing laws to clarify that individuals granted this certificate are eligible to vote and must be registered by election officials.

Government Affairs

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1661.xml