Senate Bill 2648 Summary

• Creates a unified recall procedure for state officials, legislators, and local elected officials in Mississippi, replacing the prior local-only recall process.

• Requires 35% of electors who voted in the last election for the office to sign a recall petition, with additional geographic distribution requirements for statewide offices.

• Establishes a 180-day waiting period before recall can be initiated and prohibits recalls within the final 6 months of an official's term.

• Mandates recall elections be held 50-65 days after petition certification (or on coinciding primary/general election dates), with removal occurring if more than one-half of votes cast favor recall.

• Prohibits payment for petition signatures and other recall infractions as misdemeanors punishable by up to $500 fine; repeals prior Mississippi Code sections on local recall procedures.