Constitution; amend to restore voting rights to certain qualified electors once sentencing requirements are met.
Impact
If enacted, HC25 would significantly alter the landscape of voting rights in Mississippi by simplifying the process through which certain convicted offenders can regain their right to vote. Currently, Section 253 allows for legislative action and a two-thirds vote by both houses to restore voting rights. This amendment would effectively repeal that section, thus removing the legislative discretion in the restoration process and creating a more streamlined approach for those affected by disenfranchisement due to non-violent crimes.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 25 (HC25) proposes an amendment to Section 241 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, which governs the voting rights of qualified electors. The core of this resolution is to establish a clear protocol for the restoration of voting rights for individuals convicted of certain crimes. Specifically, it stipulates that individuals convicted of voter fraud, bribery, theft, arson, obtaining money or goods under false pretenses, perjury, forgery, embezzlement, bigamy, or any other crimes that have previously been interpreted as disenfranchising, will have their voting rights suspended upon conviction but automatically restored once they meet the sentencing requirements, including parole but excluding probation. Notably, those convicted of murder and rape are explicitly excluded from this automatic restoration clause.
Contention
While proponents of HC25 argue that this amendment will promote fairness and reintegration for individuals who have paid their dues to society, there are concerns around the implications of suspending voting rights based on conviction for crimes that might not be violent. Critics may argue that such measures could undermine the integrity of the voting process or lead to further disenfranchisement of specific demographics, particularly marginalized communities. The debate on this resolution will likely center around balancing rights restoration with the perceived need for accountability in the voting process.
Constitution; amend to provide that the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall promulgate rules and regulations to ensure the people's right to hunt.