MS HB852

Expands felony expungement eligibility by removing nine specific crimes from the ineligible list, leaving only crimes of violence as defined in Section 97-3-2 ineligible for expungement.

Removes from the ineligible category: arson (first degree), trafficking in controlled substances, third/fourth/subsequent DUI offenses, felon in possession of firearm, failure to register as sex offender, voyeurism, witness intimidation, abuse/neglect/exploitation of vulnerable persons, and embezzlement.

Maintains requirement that felony offenders must wait five (5) years after completion of sentence, pay all fines and court costs, and demonstrate rehabilitation to petition for expungement.

Limits individuals to one (1) felony expungement in their lifetime, with multiple related convictions counted as a single expunction if arising from the same operative facts.

Takes effect July 1, 2022.