MS HB242

Excludes speeding traffic violations from misdemeanor expungement eligibility for first-time offenders.

Allows persons convicted of specific nonviolent felonies (bad check, drug possession, false pretense, larceny, malicious mischief, shoplifting) to petition for expungement five years after completing their sentence, limited to one expungement per person.

Permits persons under age 18 at time of felony commission to petition for expungement five years post-sentence, except for violent crimes, sex offenses, murder, carjacking, burglary, cyberstalking, child exploitation, and drug distribution-related felonies.

Requires petitioners to notify the district attorney ten days before expungement hearings and mandates courts to make specific findings on rehabilitation before granting or denying petitions.

Maintains nonpublic records at the Mississippi Criminal Information Center and allows employers to inquire about expunged convictions; takes effect July 1, 2015.