AN ACT TO RESTORE THE RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE TO LAMAR SAMPSON OF HUMPHREYS COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI.
Summary
House Bill 4138 is a private suffrage bill that restores the right to vote to Lamar Sampson of Humphreys County, Mississippi. The bill states that Sampson lost his voting rights because of his 2013 convictions for arson and conspiracy to commit arson, and it recites that he completed his sentence and has since lived as a law-abiding citizen.
The measure is narrowly tailored to one individual and does not create a general change to Mississippi election law or felony disenfranchisement rules. If enacted, it would immediately remove Sampson’s disqualification as an elector and allow him to register and vote again upon the bill’s effective date.
Impact
HB4138 would amend the legal status of one named person only, restoring his suffrage rights despite a prior felony conviction. It does not alter the broader statutory framework governing voter eligibility, restoration of rights, or disenfranchisement for other Mississippians; instead, it operates as a special legislative restoration of voting rights effective upon passage.
Sentiment
The available bill text suggests a favorable and individualized approach, emphasizing that Sampson has been discharged from supervision and has behaved as a law-abiding and honorable citizen. There are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided showing opposition or debate, and the House caption indicates the bill passed the House, which suggests at least some legislative support for the restoration.
Contention
Because the bill restores voting rights to a person convicted of arson-related offenses, the main point of potential contention would be whether the Legislature should grant a special suffrage restoration for a serious felony conviction. Any disagreement would likely center on the appropriateness of individualized relief versus a broader, rule-based restoration process, but no specific objections or opposing arguments are included in the provided materials.