MS HC50

Designates April 2020 as "Second Chance Month" in Mississippi to honor efforts to remove legal and societal barriers for individuals with criminal records.

Notes that approximately 70 million Americans have criminal records and over 600,000 individuals were released from state and federal prisons in 2017.

Highlights that individuals with criminal records face over 44,000 legal collateral consequences affecting employment, education, and housing opportunities.

Identifies key reentry barriers including employer reluctance to hire those with criminal records, restrictions on professional licensure, limited access to higher education funding, and landlord discrimination in housing.

Recognizes that meaningful employment and education access are significant predictors of successful reentry and reduced recidivism rates.