Mississippi Senate Bill SB2405

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Suffrage; provide for restoration upon completion of sentence and other conditions.

Impact

The bill amends Section 23-15-11 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to align with its provisions, which reinforces the notion that once an individual has fulfilled all terms of their punishment, they should have their suffrage restored. By allowing automatic restoration upon meeting specified conditions, SB2405 addresses long-standing concerns regarding disenfranchisement, aiming to re-engage individuals in the democratic process who have paid their dues to society.

Summary

Senate Bill 2405, known as the Restoration of Voting Rights Act, seeks to restore the voting rights of individuals who have been disqualified due to the commission of certain crimes upon the completion of their sentence. The bill establishes an automatic restoration process that occurs after a two-year waiting period during which the individual must remain crime- and arrest-free. This aims to facilitate reintegration into civic participation for formerly incarcerated individuals and reduce barriers to voting rights in Mississippi.

Contention

While supporters of SB2405 argue that it promotes fairness and social justice by enabling reintegration and reducing recidivism, there are points of contention surrounding the bill. Some critics express concerns about the potential for individuals who have committed serious crimes to regain voting rights and believe that the criteria for automatic restoration may not be stringent enough. The debate encapsulates broader themes within criminal justice reform and public sentiment regarding the responsibilities of citizenship.