Now: Petition Open
What this bill does — plain English
- Automatically identifies eligible first‑time violent offenders (excludes murder, rape, crimes against minors, terrorism, kidnapping)
- Consideration for parole after 25% of sentence served, paired with a 12‑session counseling requirement
- Automatic expungement after two years crime‑free post‑release and full restoration of civil rights
- County Reintegration Liaison to help with housing, ID, job placement
- MDOC report in 3 years on outcomes and fiscal impact
Why it matters
This is about distinguishing one-time mistakes from chronic criminal behavior, restoring productive members of our communities, and saving Mississippi taxpayer dollars. It’s designed to honor prior law‑abiding lives and offer structured, accountable pathways back into society.
Faith & Redemption
"If even Saul could become Paul, then no life is beyond redemption. This bill is about mercy, accountability, and hope — values shared across Mississippi churches."
Supporters (sample)
Your local pastors, community groups, and faith leaders — and families like mine — are ready to stand with this measure.
Share this campaign
Full Bill (selected key sections)
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
This Act shall be known as the "Justice Restoration Act for First-Time Offenders."
SECTION 2. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS
The Legislature finds: Mississippi’s justice system currently fails to distinguish between chronic offenders and one-time mistakes in emotionally charged situations; requiring petitions for relief creates barriers that leave many deserving individuals behind; the State has both a fiscal and moral interest in offering structured second chances to those who qualify.
SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS
"Eligible Individual" means a person who: has been convicted of a violent felony under Mississippi law; has no prior felony convictions or juvenile adjudications; was 18 years or older at the time of the offense; was not convicted of murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual battery, offenses involving minors, voluntary manslaughter, kidnapping, or terrorism.
SECTION 4. AUTOMATIC ELIGIBILITY AND REVIEW
MDOC, in coordination with the Mississippi Parole Board, shall within 120 days identify eligible individuals, review records, and establish tracking for future assessments. No petitions required. Qualifying individuals shall be considered for parole after serving 25% of their sentence and enrolled in a 12-session counseling program. Remaining parole/probation may be waived upon successful program completion.
SECTION 5. POST-RELEASE REQUIREMENTS AND EXPUNGEMENT
Upon release, individuals shall remain free of new convictions for two consecutive years, participate in quarterly check-ins with a reintegration liaison, and will be automatically eligible for expungement thereafter. Civil rights, including voting and application for employment/housing, shall be restored as described in Section 5.
SECTION 6. COUNTY REINTEGRATION SUPPORT
Each county shall designate a Reintegration Liaison to assist released individuals with IDs, housing, employment, and coordinate services.
SECTION 7. DATA AND FISCAL REPORTING
MDOC shall publish a report within 3 years detailing individuals released under the Act, program completion rates, recidivism, and estimated cost savings.
Faith Leaders' Letter (sample)
"As shepherds of God's people, we know that the heart of the Gospel is forgiveness, restoration, and redemption... We are reminded of the story of Saul of Tarsus, who hunted and killed Christians before his encounter with Christ. By God's grace, he became Paul... We urge lawmakers of both parties to pass the Justice Restoration Act..."
FAQ
Q: Is this soft on crime?
No. The bill specifically excludes the most serious offenses and imposes counseling, supervision, and a two-year crime-free requirement before expungement.
Q: Will disciplinary records inside prison disqualify someone?
The bill focuses on an individual's pre-prison life and prior good standing. Practices around in-prison disciplinary records will be handled through MDOC risk assessment protocols; the goal is to avoid blanket disqualifications that prevent deserving people from earning a second chance.
Q: How will signatures be used?
Signatures will be delivered to sponsors, committee chairs, and posted as part of coalition materials. We will not sell or share personal data beyond legislative outreach and coalition organizing.