Mississippi House Bill HB1172

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/26
• Refer: 1/19/26
• Failed: 2/3/26

Caption

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 73-77-5, 73-77-7 AND 73-77-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE FRESH START ACT; TO PROVIDE THAT THE FRESH START ACT SHALL SUPERSEDE ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW TO THE CONTRARY; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-13-109, 19-5-353, 21-27-131, 21-27-151, 25-53-51, 27-109-5, 27-115-55, 37-3-2, 41-29-303, 43-1-4, 43-26-1, 45-3-9, 45-3-47, 45-4-9, 45-6-11, 51-5-3, 51-9-173, 65-1-129, 65-1-173, 67-3-19, 73-1-13, 73-2-7, 73-2-16, 73-4-17, 73-4-25, 73-6-13, 73-6-19, 73-7-27, 73-9-23, 73-9-61, 73-11-51, 73-11-57, 73-13-23, 73-13-77, 73-14-35, 73-15-19, 73-15-21, 73-15-29, 73-17-9, 73-17-11, 73-17-15, 73-19-17, 73-19-23, 73-21-85, 73-21-87, 73-21-97, 73-21-111, 73-21-126, 73-23-47, 73-23-51, 73-23-59, 73-24-19, 73-24-21, 73-24-24, 73-25-3, 73-25-14, 73-25-29, 73-25-32, 73-25-101, 73-26-3, 73-27-5, 73-27-12, 73-27-13, 73-27-16, 73-29-13, 73-29-19, 73-29-31, 73-30-9, 73-30-21, 73-31-13, 73-31-21, 73-33-1, 73-34-14, 73-34-109, 73-35-10, 73-35-21, 73-38-9, 73-38-27, 73-39-67, 73-39-71, 73-39-77, 73-42-9, 73-42-11, 73-53-8, 73-53-13, 73-53-17, 73-54-13, 73-55-19, 73-60-31, 73-63-27, 73-65-13, 73-66-17, 73-67-21, 73-67-27, 73-69-7, 73-69-9, 73-69-11, 73-71-19, 73-71-33, 73-73-7, 73-75-13, 73-75-19, 75-27-305, 75-57-49, 75-59-1, 75-60-19, 75-60-31, 75-60-33, 75-67-323, 75-67-421, 75-67-509, 75-67-521, 75-67-609, 75-76-34, 75-76-35, 75-76-67, 75-76-103, 75-76-131, 75-76-137, 77-8-25, 77-9-503, 81-18-9, 83-7-207, 83-17-71, 83-17-75, 83-17-421, 83-17-519, 83-21-19, 83-39-3, 83-39-9, 83-39-15, 83-49-11, 97-33-57 AND 97-33-315, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 17-17-503, 17-17-505, 19-25-19, 25-34-43, 27-115-69, 37-9-17, 37-13-89, 37-27-23, 37-29-232, 41-29-107, 41-137-47, 43-13-121, 45-1-25, 49-15-21, 57-21-7, 63-17-118, 63-17-205, 63-17-209, 67-7-11, 67-7-13, 73-15-201, 73-34-35, 75-35-301, 81-3-5, 81-13-1, 81-25-107, 81-25-123, 83-1-191, 83-11-225, 83-11-239 AND 99-19-35, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1172 is significant as it provides a structured process for individuals with criminal records to petition for a determination of their eligibility for various licenses. The licensing authorities are now required to consider factors such as the nature of the crime, the time that has elapsed since the offense, and evidence of rehabilitation when making their decisions. This could lead to increased opportunities for employment for many individuals who have previously faced barriers due to their criminal history.

Summary

House Bill 1172, formally known as the Fresh Start Act revision, aims to amend and expand the current provisions related to the licensing of individuals with criminal records in Mississippi. One of the key changes proposed in this bill is the assertion that the Fresh Start Act will supersede any other conflicting laws, thereby establishing a clear framework for how licensing authorities must handle applications from individuals with prior convictions. This is intended to allow those with disqualifying criminal records to have an opportunity for rehabilitation, ultimately facilitating their reintegration into society.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 1172 highlighted several points of contention. Proponents argue that the bill will help reduce recidivism by empowering individuals to obtain necessary licenses, thus enhancing public safety through stable employment. Critics, however, express concern that the bill may result in less stringent licensure requirements for certain professions, potentially jeopardizing public safety in fields where trust and integrity are paramount. There is a fear that the balance between encouraging rehabilitation and ensuring public safety may be difficult to maintain under the new provisions proposed in the bill.