MS HB738

Prohibits public and private employers from inquiring about, considering, or requiring disclosure of an applicant's criminal history until after the applicant is selected for an interview or receives a conditional job offer, with exceptions for the Department of Corrections and employers with statutory duties to conduct background checks.

Authorizes employers to notify applicants in advance that certain criminal histories will disqualify them from specific positions.

Provides a $2,500 annual income tax credit for employers hiring convicted felons who have been unemployed for six consecutive months (including incarceration time), claimable once per employee for up to five years.

Requires the employee to work at least 30 hours per week for at least six consecutive months during the year the credit is claimed; unused credits may be carried forward for five consecutive years.

Tax credit program expires January 1, 2027, though employers who qualified before that date may continue carrying forward credits; takes effect January 1, 2023 for Section 2 and July 1, 2023 for remaining provisions.