MS HB775

Creates a statewide policy requiring licensing authorities to delay conviction history inquiries until after an applicant is found otherwise qualified, and only consider convictions directly related to the occupation sought

Prohibits licensing boards from considering non-convictions, sealed/dismissed convictions, juvenile adjudications, misdemeanors with no jail sentence, misdemeanors older than 3 years, and felonies older than 5 years

Requires applicants with directly-related convictions to be given opportunity to present evidence of rehabilitation and mitigation factors before disqualification, with appeals process and earliest reapplication date of no more than 2 years

Mandates licensing boards retain application records and track demographic data on applicants with convictions for annual public reporting while maintaining individual confidentiality

Amends 47 Mississippi Code sections across multiple licensing boards (nursing, pharmacy, medicine, real estate, etc.) to comply with these conviction-related standards, and enacts three interstate compacts (EMS Personnel, Nurse Licensure, Physical Therapy, and Interstate Medical Licensure)