MS HB774

Creates the Voter Enfranchisement Joint Legislative Study Committee to examine the impact of nonviolent offenses on voting rights and study methods to restore voting rights to nonviolent felons who complete all sentencing requirements.

Committee must study and report by January 1, 2019 on: potential policy or law changes to restore voting rights to nonviolent felons upon completion of sentencing; negative societal effects on nonviolent felons denied voting rights after sentencing completion; and voting restoration policies implemented by other states.

Committee comprises 14 members including chairs and vice chairs of relevant House and Senate committees, the Secretary of State, Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, and one each of a law enforcement officer, sitting judge, prosecutor, and public defender appointed by the Governor or Chief Justice.

Requires committee appointments within 30 days and first meeting before August 1, 2018, with a majority constituting a quorum and affirmative vote of a majority required for all actions.

State departments and agencies must provide facilities, assistance, and data requested by the committee cochairs to support the study.