MS HB1361

Authorizes courts to expunge nonviolent felony convictions (excluding embezzlement and crimes of violence) five years after successful completion of sentence; limits each person to one lifetime felony expunction.

Allows persons convicted of felonies before age 21 to petition for expunction five years after sentence completion, excluding violent crimes and drug distribution felonies at court discretion.

Prohibits public and private employers from inquiring about criminal history during the initial job application process, except when required by law or for Department of Corrections positions.

Creates a $2,500 annual income tax credit for taxpayers employing convicted felons who have been unemployed for six consecutive months, available for five years per employee and repealing January 1, 2020.

Requires employees to work a minimum of 30 hours per week for at least six consecutive months during the year the credit is claimed.