MS HB201

Prohibits Mississippi public employers from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history until after the applicant has signed a release waiver, is being considered for a specific position, and has received an interview

Requires public employers to consider specific factors before making hiring decisions based on criminal history, including the nature and gravity of the offense, time elapsed since the offense, age at the time of offense, relevance to job duties, and evidence of rehabilitation

Bars the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction as grounds for disqualifying applicants from public employment

Mandates that employers inform applicants of potential adverse decisions based on background checks and provide opportunity to dispute inaccuracies before final decisions

Applies only to state government employers, not private employers or local governments, with complaints filed in Hinds County Circuit Court; takes effect July 1, 2026