MS HB306

Elected officials indicted in state or federal court for bribery, extortion, felonies (except manslaughter), Internal Revenue Code violations, crimes involving moral turpitude, election law violations, or embezzlement of public funds shall be suspended immediately without pay.

Suspension remains in effect until the official is acquitted, convicted, or pleads guilty or nolo contendere; conviction or guilty plea results in removal from office and declaration of vacancy.

Officials acquitted or having charges dismissed are entitled to reinstatement and back pay.

If an official fails to acknowledge suspension, the Attorney General may file a motion in circuit court to enforce suspension; if convicted during an election period, suspension continues into the next term and prevents participation in official duties.

Amends Section 25-5-1 to specify crimes enumerated in this act as grounds for removal from office and requires submission to the U.S. Attorney General under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.