Mississippi House Bill HB53

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Income tax; authorize credit for employers of convicted felons, prohibit certain criminal record/history checks.

Impact

The proposed bill also introduces a tax incentive for employers who hire individuals with felony convictions who have been unemployed for at least six consecutive months. Specifically, employers can claim an income tax credit of $2,500 annually for each eligible employee for a duration of five years, thus encouraging the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into the workforce. These measures aim to support both economic opportunities for individuals re-entering the labor market and to alleviate the stigma associated with hiring those who have criminal records.

Summary

House Bill 53 aims to amend employment practices in Mississippi by banning criminal history checks during the preliminary job application process. Specifically, the bill prevents employers from inquiring into an applicant's criminal record until they have been selected for an interview or a conditional offer of employment has been made. This legislation is designed to promote fair hiring practices by ensuring that candidates with felony convictions are assessed based solely on their qualifications until later in the employment process, thereby reducing potential discrimination based on past criminal behavior.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to positively impact job seekers with criminal backgrounds and facilitate their re-entry into society, it may face opposition from various stakeholders. Critics may argue that the prohibition on conducting criminal history checks can compromise workplace safety and the integrity of hiring practices, particularly in sensitive industries. Furthermore, there might be concerns about how employers will adapt to these changes and whether adequate safeguards are in place to ensure fair treatment for all applicants.