MS SB2287

Prohibits Mississippi public employers (state agencies, departments, universities, hospitals, etc.) from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history on employment applications or until after the applicant has received an interview and signed a release waiver

Requires public employers to consider specific factors before making hiring decisions based on criminal history, including the nature and gravity of the offense, time elapsed, age at offense, relevance to job duties, and evidence of rehabilitation

Prohibits using arrest records that did not result in conviction as grounds for disqualifying applicants from public employment

Requires employers to notify applicants of potential adverse decisions based on background checks and provide opportunity to dispute inaccuracies before final decisions

Exempts private employers, positions requiring criminal background checks by law (such as jobs involving minors or elderly), and certain legislative confirmation processes; encourages but does not mandate similar practices for private employers and local governments