HB 61: Restoration of Civil Rights Act

• Automatically restores civil rights to felons upon completion of sentence and all terms of supervision, except for the right to own, possess, or use firearms.

• Exempts certain serious crimes from automatic restoration, including murder, aggravated manslaughter of a child, sexual battery, incest, sexual performance by a child, and trafficking in minors; also excludes treason and impeachment convictions.

• Requires courts to notify defendants before accepting guilty pleas or imposing sentences whether conviction will result in permanent or temporary loss of civil rights depending on the felony type.

• Mandates Secretary of State develop an education program for judges, attorneys, election officials, corrections officials, and the public regarding civil rights restoration requirements.

• Takes effect on the effective date of HJR 59 or another constitutional amendment that authorizes or removes impediments to legislative enactment of this measure.