Maddy summaryHB 664 would automatically restore voting rights for Mississippi residents convicted of certain non-violent felonies (excluding arson, armed robbery, carjacking, embezzlement over $5,000, murder, rape, or statutory rape) once they complete all sentencing requirements. It would also require automatic expungement of eligible felony records after five years of completing all terms and conditions of conviction. The bill mandates that circuit clerks forward expungement orders to the Mississippi Criminal Information Center, and the Department of Public Safety must remove the person’s criminal record from state databases within 45 days. This would directly affect individuals with qualifying felony convictions who complete their sentences, removing barriers to voting and record clearance. The bill also creates an exception to firearm prohibitions for those with expunged records.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill restores the right to vote to Mary Smith Brandon of Lowndes County, Mississippi, who had been disqualified after a 2003 conviction for false pretense. The legislation formally acknowledges that she completed her sentence and has since behaved as a law-abiding citizen, thereby removing the barrier to her eligibility as an elector. Once enacted, the law takes effect immediately, allowing her to participate in elections without further administrative hurdles.
Maddy summaryThis Mississippi bill establishes a new rule requiring racial and ethnic impact statements for legislation that alters criminal offenses, penalties, or sentencing procedures. The Department of Public Safety's Office of Public Safety Planning is tasked with preparing these factual reports, which must estimate how proposed laws affect the racial and ethnic composition of offenders and victims. Additionally, the bill mandates that state agencies awarding grants to corporations include similar impact analyses in their applications to identify any disproportionate effects on minority populations. If a required statement is missing, a legislator can request one during debate, though the bill specifies these documents are for informational purposes only.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that asks the Mississippi Legislature to issue a formal apology for the state's role in the 1955 murder of Emmett Till and the subsequent acquittal of his killers. The text expresses regret for the hostile environment that allowed the crime to occur and apologizes to Till's family for the loss of his life and the failure to protect his constitutional rights. It also encourages the public remembrance of the Civil Rights Movement and instructs officials to share the resolution with constituents and community leaders. The bill explicitly states that the apology cannot be used as a basis for any legal lawsuits and was recently referred to a committee where it did not advance further.
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors in Mississippi to increase its annual financial contribution to the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region from $130,000 to $150,000. The legislation extends the legal authorization for these donations until July 1, 2028, permitting the funds to be used for charitable programs at the county's discretion. Although the bill was referred to local legislation in March 2024, it did not advance further and ultimately died in committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution introduced in the Mississippi House of Representatives that expresses regret for the state's role in the 1955 murder of Emmett Till and the subsequent acquittal of his killers. The measure formally apologizes to Till's family for the hostile environment that allowed the crime to occur and the legal system's failure to hold the perpetrators accountable. It also encourages the teaching of this history as part of the Civil Rights Movement and directs copies of the resolution to various state officials and community leaders. The text explicitly states that the apology cannot be used as the basis for any legal action or litigation. Ultimately, the bill died in committee in May 2024 and did not become law.
Maddy summaryThis bill restores the right to vote to Lawrence Daniels, a resident of Lowndes County, Mississippi, who had lost his voting rights due to a prior felony conviction for grand larceny. The legislation specifically addresses his case by citing his time since release from supervision and stating that he has since behaved as a law-abiding citizen. By passing this act, the legislature formally removes the legal barrier preventing him from participating in elections.