Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB4081

Introduced
4/2/24  
Refer
4/2/24  

Caption

Suffrage; restore to Omar Travis of Hinds County.

Impact

The passing of HB4081 signifies a legislative trend towards addressing the disenfranchisement of formerly incarcerated individuals in Mississippi. By restoring Travis’s voting rights, the bill could set a precedent for similar cases, encouraging the legislature to evaluate its policies on voting rights, which are often influenced by criminal history. This act is part of ongoing discussions regarding the balance between public safety and the reintegration of former inmates into civic engagement. It emphasizes the importance of allowing citizens who have served their time to fully participate in the democratic process.

Summary

House Bill 4081 is a legislative act that aims to restore the voting rights of Omar Travis, a resident of Hinds County, Mississippi. This bill essentially rectifies the disqualification of Travis from voting due to prior felony convictions, thereby enabling him to reacquire his right to suffrage after demonstrating lawful behavior since his release from the correctional system. The bill brings attention to the broader issue of voting rights restoration for individuals who have served their sentences and re-entered society as law-abiding citizens.

Contention

While HB4081 focuses on an individual case, it raises significant questions regarding the criteria for restoring voting rights to those with felony convictions. Critics may argue about potential abuses of this restoration process, fearing that it could enable individuals with serious offenses to influence elections. Supporters, however, view the bill as a necessary step towards rectifying the long-standing disenfranchisement of many individuals in the state, pointing to the importance of forgiveness and second chances in the justice system. The bill underscores an evolving public sentiment that emphasizes rehabilitation over permanent disenfranchisement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB1814

Suffrage; restore to Omar Travis of Hinds County.

MS HB1812

Suffrage; restore to Rahmond Williams of Hinds County.

MS HB1815

Suffrage; restore to Mary Green of Hinds County.

MS HB1808

Suffrage; restore to Jushun Paige of Hinds County.

MS HB1810

Suffrage; restore to Marcus Jackson of Hinds County.

MS HB1813

Suffrage; restore to Cornelius Clayton of Monroe County.

MS HB1809

Suffrage; restore to Cleveland Stallworth of Jackson County.

MS SB2095

Suffrage; restore suffrage to Vedo Kyles.

MS SB3054

Suffrage; restore to Larry Sills.

MS HB1811

Suffrage; restore to Gerald Laird of Jefferson Davis County.

Similar Bills

MS SB2009

Highways; include Old State Highways 6 and 9 in Pontotoc County in the state highway system.

MS SB2154

Highways; include Old State Highways 6 and 9 in Pontotoc County in the state highway system.

MS SB2003

Highways; include Old State Highways 6 and 9 in Pontotoc County in the state highway system.

MS SB2012

State highway system; include Old State Highways 6 and 9 in Pontotoc County in.

MS HB1008

Highways; revise Mississippi Highway 615 in Harrison County.

MS SB2493

State highway system; revise designation for Mississippi Highway 615 in Harrison County.

MS SB2715

Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science; relocate to the campus of Mississippi State University.

MS HB1131

2024 Local Improvements Project Fund; clarify and correct names and purposes of certain.