Mississippi House Bill HB88

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

Voter registration and suffrage restoration; authorize upon sentence completion and five years.

Impact

The bill proposes amendments to several sections of the Mississippi Code, including the definition of who shall be considered a qualified elector. It mandates collaboration between the Secretary of State and the Mississippi Department of Corrections to streamline the process of placing eligible voters back on the voter rolls. Additionally, training for elections commissioners is required to ensure they facilitate the registration of disenfranchised individuals who have regained their voting rights.

Summary

House Bill 88 aims to restore the right to vote for individuals disqualified due to criminal convictions, provided they have completed their sentences. The bill specifies that a 'sentence' includes the term of incarceration plus five years of any probation or parole associated with the disqualifying conviction. This legislative move seeks to address the barriers faced by former offenders re-entering society and ensures their eligibility for the right of suffrage post-sentence completion.

Contention

The proposal to restore voting rights may face opposition based on the belief that individuals with certain criminal backgrounds should remain disenfranchised. Critics may argue that restoring suffrage might undermine the seriousness of the crimes committed. Conversely, proponents emphasize the importance of inclusivity and reintegration for ex-offenders, highlighting the need for societal support rather than exclusion, framing it as a necessary step toward a more equitable democratic process.