MS SB2248

Revises and strengthens Mississippi's Fresh Start Act to explicitly supersede any other conflicting state law, prohibiting licensing authorities from disqualifying applicants based on criminal records unless the crime directly relates to the duties of the licensed occupation.

Defines "disqualifying crime" as a crime directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the occupation, and replaces vague disqualification terms such as "moral turpitude," "any felony," and "good moral character" across more than 100 Mississippi Code sections governing professional and occupational licensing.

Requires licensing authorities to apply a clear and convincing standard of proof when evaluating whether a person's criminal record disqualifies them, considering factors including the nature and seriousness of the crime, time elapsed, relationship to the occupation, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Exempts the Mississippi Bar (attorney admission/reinstatement), the Nurse Licensure Compact, and entities licensed under certain real estate appraiser, home inspector, and related statutes from the act's provisions; also preserves existing hearing and appeals procedures for boards that had such procedures codified by January 1, 2025.

Requires all licensing authorities to comply with the revised standards within 120 days after July 1, 2025, with the changes also applying to any new occupational licenses created after that date.