Mississippi Senate Bill SB2128

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/24
• Refer: 1/19/24
• Failed: 3/14/24

Caption

Real Estate Commission; grant discretion to issue license after felony conviction of crimes of moral turpitude.

Impact

This legislation alters existing statutes concerning the licensure of real estate brokers and salespersons in Mississippi. By affording the Commission the ability to exercise discretion regarding licensing for those with prior moral turpitude convictions, the bill encourages rehabilitation while also addressing public safety and trust issues. It acknowledges the importance of evaluating applicants on a case-by-case basis and could positively impact the lives of those who have committed offenses in the past but have since taken steps toward rehabilitation.

Summary

Senate Bill 2128 amends Section 73-35-10 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to grant discretion to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission when issuing licenses to applicants who have felony convictions for crimes of moral turpitude, provided these convictions occurred more than five years prior to the application. The bill aims to help reintegrate rehabilitated individuals into the workforce by allowing them the possibility to obtain a real estate license, thereby enhancing their employment opportunities in the state's real estate market. Additionally, it mandates that applicants must have completed any restitution related to their convictions before applying.

Contention

Proponents of SB2128 argue that the bill represents a necessary step towards more inclusive policies that allow individuals with past convictions to reintegrate into society. However, there may be opposition from those who believe that leniency in the licensing process could lead to potential harm or compromise public trust in the real estate profession. This opposition reflects concerns over the public accountability of real estate professionals and the importance of maintaining a barrier against fraudulent practices or unethical behavior based on past actions.