MS HB637

Creates the Voter Enfranchisement Joint Legislative Study Committee to examine the impact of nonviolent felony convictions on voting rights and study methods to remove barriers to voting after sentence completion.

Committee shall study potential policy or law changes to restore voting rights to nonviolent felons upon completion of all sentencing requirements, negative effects on nonviolent felons denied voting rights, and voting restoration procedures implemented by other states.

Committee composed of 14 members including chairs and vice chairs of House and Senate elections and judiciary committees, Secretary of State, Commissioner of Department of Corrections, and appointees including one judge, law enforcement officer, prosecutor, and public defender.

Committee must deliver findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by January 1, 2020, with first meeting required before August 1, 2019.

State departments and agencies must provide facilities, assistance, and data to the committee upon request from the cochairs.