MS HB506

Amends Mississippi Code Section 23-15-701 to expand the Secretary of State's emergency powers regarding absentee voting and voter registration to include first responders in addition to military personnel.

Defines "first responders" to include trained or certified individuals in law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, school safety, public health, hazardous materials response, and related emergency response roles in public or private sectors.

Extends emergency powers to apply during armed conflicts, military contingencies involving U.S. Armed Forces, mobilization of state national guard or reserve components, and any state of emergency declared by the President of the United States or a state governor.

Requires the Secretary of State to adopt rules describing the emergency powers and the specific situations in which they will be exercised.

Requires the Attorney General to submit the act to the U.S. Attorney General or U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for review under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.