Mississippi Senate Bill SB2290

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Civil rights; restore all to a person who has paid his or her debt to society.

Impact

If enacted, SB2290 would significantly modify the existing laws governing voter eligibility, especially for those with felony records. The current framework requires individuals to remain disqualified from voting until certain conditions are met; this bill shifts the paradigm towards more favorable restoration practices. The proposed changes are aimed at enhancing civic engagement and reducing barriers for individuals reintegrating into society after serving their sentences.

Summary

Senate Bill 2290 proposes amendments to the Mississippi Code to restore the right of suffrage to individuals disqualified by felony convictions. Specifically, it allows individuals to regain their voting rights after completing their incarceration, parole, or upon being sentenced only to probation. The bill mandates the issuance of a 'Certificate of Restoration' by authorized entities to evidence that an individual's voting rights have been restored, which also streamlines the process of re-enfranchisement for those previously convicted of disenfranchising crimes.

Contention

The bill's discussion highlights tensions regarding voting rights and criminal justice reform. Advocates argue that the right to vote is fundamentally tied to citizenship and rehabilitation, while opponents express concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. This debate is rooted in broader conversations regarding the disenfranchisement of felons and the implications of restoring rights upon the completion of their sentences. Key questions revolve around how this will impact electoral demographics and voter education efforts.