MS SB2626

Establishes the Ease Access to Suffrage Program within the Office of the Secretary of State's External Affairs Division to streamline the process for restoring voting rights to disenfranchised persons in Mississippi.

Requires the program to publish restoration criteria, create a public application portal with status updates, raise public awareness through media campaigns, and ensure voting rights are fully restored for the next election after legislative approval.

Published criteria must include required time after release from custody, required documentation for suffrage bills, proof of fine/fee/restitution payment, completion of rehabilitation programs, and other criteria required by the Mississippi Constitution or Legislature.

Applicants must retain a Mississippi House or Senate member to sponsor their suffrage bill, with the Legislative Services Offices responsible for bill preparation; the division may prepare draft bills for use in the process.

Secretary of State must coordinate with the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and chairs of relevant legislative committees to establish the criteria and rules; takes effect July 1, 2025.