Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2280

Introduced
1/13/23  
Refer
1/13/23  

Caption

Restore the Right to Vote Act; create.

Impact

This bill is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding the disenfranchisement of felons. Currently, many individuals face barriers to voting long after serving their time due to additional conditions related to parole or financial obligations. SB2280 seeks to eliminate these barriers, which advocates argue will lead to higher rates of civic engagement and representation among communities disproportionately affected by such disenfranchisement laws. It emphasizes the principle that once individuals have completed their sentences, they should be restored to full citizenship status, including the right to vote.

Summary

Senate Bill 2280, known as the 'Restore the Right to Vote Act', aims to amend the laws governing voting rights for individuals with felony convictions in Mississippi. The bill stipulates that upon completing their prison sentence, individuals will automatically have their voting rights restored without additional conditions such as parole or the payment of fines. This reflects a shift towards a more inclusive approach to electoral rights for those previously incarcerated, allowing them to reintegrate into civic life more effectively.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB2280 may center on the implications for public safety and the integrity of elections. Opponents of similar measures often argue concerns about the potential for individuals who have committed crimes to influence the political landscape through voting. Additionally, some may raise questions about how the bill will be implemented, particularly concerning the official documentation provided at release and the mechanisms for ensuring individuals are aware of their restored rights. This dialogue highlights a broader national conversation about voting rights and the balance between public safety and civic engagement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2368

Restore the Right to Vote Act; create.

MS H0501

Restoration of Voting Rights Information on Sentencing Scoresheets

MS SB178

Voting rights, restoration, application requirement and Certificate of Eligibility eliminated; Board of Pardons and Paroles to restore voting rights for individuals who meet criteria for restoration of voting rights

MS H0797

Notice of Restoration of Voting Rights Information on Sentencing Scoresheets

MS SB6

Voting rights restoration, application requirement eliminated, Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine eligibility to receive Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, indigent individual's voting rights to be restored if individual is in compliance with approved payment plan for payment of fines, court costs and fees, Secs. 15-22-36.1, 17-3-31 am'd.

MS HB473

Voting rights restoration, application requirement eliminated, Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine eligibility to receive Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, indigent individual's voting rights to be restored if individual is in compliance with approved payment plan for payment of fines, court costs and fees, Secs. 15-22-36.1, 17-3-31, 17-4-3 am'd.

MS HB940

Voting rights and felony expungement; person may have voting rights restored and certain felony records expunged after five years.

MS HB664

Voting rights and expungement; person may have voting rights restored and certain felony records expunged after five years.

MS SB121

Relating to voting rights; to amend Sections 15-22-36.1, 17-3-31, and 17-4-3, Code of Alabama 1975; to eliminate the application requirement and the Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote; to require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine whether an individual may have his or her right to vote restored if the individual has lost his or her right to vote by reason of conviction in a state or federal court and has been pardoned or released from incarceration or period of probation or parole; to allow an indigent individual to have his or her right to vote restored if he or she has paid all fines and restitution and is in compliance with an approved payment plan for the payment of court costs and fees or an approved community service plan to offset the payment of court costs and fees; to remove impeachment from the list of offenses that prohibit an individual from having his or her right to vote restored to make consistent with existing law; and to add Section 17-3-31.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to require notification to the individual that his or her right to vote has been restored.

MS SB21

Relating to voting rights; to amend Sections 15-22-36.1, 17-3-31, and 17-4-3, Code of Alabama 1975; to eliminate the application requirement and the Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote; to require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine whether an individual may have his or her right to vote restored if the individual has lost his or her right to vote by reason of conviction in a state or federal court and has been pardoned or released from incarceration or period of probation or parole; to allow an indigent individual to have his or her right to vote restored if he or she has paid all fines and restitution and is in compliance with an approved payment plan for the payment of court costs and fees or an approved community service plan to offset the payment of court costs and fees; to remove impeachment from the list of offenses that prohibit an individual from having his or her right to vote restored to make consistent with existing law; and to add Section 17-3-31.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to require notification to the individual that his or her right to vote has been restored.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.