SB 2507 Summary

• Establishes comprehensive recall procedures for all elected state and local officials in Mississippi, allowing registered electors to petition for recall elections based on malfeasance, oath violations, misconduct, failure to perform duties, or misappropriation of public funds.

• Sets signature thresholds of 15% of registered voters (with geographic distribution across congressional districts) for statewide officers and 30% for other state or local officers; applications cannot be filed in first or last 180 days of term.

• Requires circuit court review of recall application sufficiency within specified timeframes, with judges selected by the Supreme Court Chief Justice to ensure impartiality; recall elections triggered upon petition certification must occur 30-45 days after certification call.

• Prohibits recall petitions for 6 months following a failed recall election or denied petition; recalls succeed if more than 50% of votes cast favor removal.

• Repeals existing local recall procedures under Mississippi Code Sections 25-5-3 through 25-5-37 and creates criminal penalties for buying/selling petition signatures or fraudulent signing; takes effect July 1, 2023.