Mississippi House Bill HB487

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/22
• Refer: 1/6/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Right to vote; restore to people who committed nonviolent disqualifying crimes upon meeting certain requirements.

Impact

The proposed changes would specifically alter Section 23-15-11 and other related sections of the Mississippi Code to harmonize the state's approach to voting rights restoration. This act not only simplifies the process by which individuals regain their voting rights but also seeks to align with more progressive views towards criminal justice and rehabilitative practices. If enacted, the bill would suggest a more lenient approach towards nonviolent offenders regarding their civil rights, addressing long-standing concerns about the impact of such laws on population segments that often face barriers to re-entry into society.

Summary

House Bill 487 seeks to amend the Mississippi Code to provide a mechanism for the automatic restoration of voting rights for individuals convicted of nonviolent disenfranchising crimes. Under this bill, a person who has been convicted of a nonviolent crime listed as disenfranchising will have their right to vote suspended upon conviction but will have their voting rights automatically restored two years after satisfying all sentencing requirements. This represents a significant shift from policies that directly disenfranchise individuals for various offenses, encouraging reintegration into civic life after serving their sentences.

Contention

The bill's introduction is likely to face opposition from those who believe that any form of criminal conviction should lead to stricter permanent disenfranchisement, regardless of the nature of the offense. Critics may argue it undermines the integrity of the electoral process, fearing that restoring voting rights too easily could open the door to abuses or fraudulent activities. Proponents will have the task of overcoming these fears by demonstrating the potential societal benefits of reintegrating formerly incarcerated individuals into the voting community and the positive impact on public perception regarding justice and rehabilitation.