MS SB2018

Allows any person who lost voting rights due to a criminal conviction (and has not been pardoned) to petition the circuit court in their county of conviction or residence for restoration of voting rights.

Grants circuit courts discretion to restore full voting rights to eligible applicants, with the same effect as if the Legislature had passed a special act under Section 253 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890.

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, as amended and extended.

Takes effect upon federal approval and effectuation under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and extended.