MS HB745

Allows persons convicted of felony embezzlement under Section 97-23-19 or 97-23-25 to petition for expungement 14 years after completing all terms and conditions of their sentence, provided all criminal fines and court costs have been paid.

Expungement petition requires a court hearing at the judge's discretion and the applicant must demonstrate rehabilitation from the offense.

Nonpublic records of expungement orders are retained by the Mississippi Criminal Information Center solely to determine first offender status in subsequent proceedings.

Employers may still ask prospective employees about prior expunged convictions, and persons called as prospective jurors must disclose expunged convictions to the court in camera.

The act takes effect July 1, 2025.