Bill > SB2771

This bill, titled the "Fresh Start Act; revise," amends Mississippi law to revise the Fresh Start Act, which governs occupational licensing for individuals with prior criminal convictions. Key provisions include clarifying that the Fresh Start Act supersedes any contrary provisions in other laws, making technical changes, and defining "disqualifying crime" as a crime directly related to the duties of an occupation. The bill specifies that licensing authorities can only consider criminal records directly related to an occupation and must apply a clear and convincing standard of proof when evaluating factors for disqualification, such as the nature of the crime, time passed since commission, relationship to the occupation, and evidence of rehabilitation. It also mandates that licensing authorities cannot use vague terms like "moral turpitude" or "any felony" in their rules for licensure qualifications. The Act includes exceptions, stating it does not supersede the Nurse Licensure Compact or other interstate compacts, nor does it apply to certain professions like those licensed under Sections 73-34-1 et seq., 73-35-1 et seq., or 73-60-1 et seq. The bill also makes conforming changes to numerous other sections of the Mississippi Code, updating references to "felony" or "moral turpitude" to "disqualifying crime as provided in the Fresh Start Act" and removing outdated "good moral character" requirements in many instances, aligning them with the new framework. Importantly, the bill specifies that existing hearing and appeal procedures for licensing entities in place before January 1, 2025, will supersede the provisions of this act. The Act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2771.xml