Driver's licenses or identification cards of those on probation or parole; indicate as such on.
Impact
By implementing this bill, individuals who have been convicted of crimes and are on probation or parole will have their status clearly visible on their identification cards. This initiative purports to enhance public safety by ensuring that law enforcement and other entities have access to critical information about an individual's legal supervision status. Additionally, it may help in monitoring compliance with probation or parole conditions and deter reoffending by making the status transparent.
Summary
House Bill 987 seeks to mandate the Mississippi Department of Corrections to routinely notify the Mississippi Department of Public Safety regarding individuals who are on probation or parole. This weekly notification is intended to ensure that such individuals' probation or parole status is reflected on their driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards. The bill provides that this status will be included in the card's magstripe and will be removed once the individual is no longer under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections.
Contention
There are points of contention surrounding HB 987, primarily concerning privacy and the potential stigma associated with having probation or parole status displayed on identification. Advocates for the bill argue that it is a necessary measure for public safety and accountability, while opponents may raise concerns over the potential for discrimination against individuals with a criminal history, who might struggle with societal reintegration due to the identification of their past offenses on public documents. This bill also raises questions about the methods by which such sensitive information is disseminated and the safeguards against misuse.