Mississippi House Bill HB816

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/26
• Refer: 1/16/26
• 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

If enacted, HB 816 will directly impact multiple statutes concerning occupational licensing procedures in Mississippi, facilitating a more equitable consideration of applicants with prior convictions. Notably, the board or other licensing bodies must now inform individuals of their rights regarding denials based on criminal history and allow for petitions to review eligibility. This change is significant as it acknowledges the importance of second chances and the potential for rehabilitation. Stakeholders argue that this reformation will lead not only to improved public safety but also to economic growth by allowing more individuals to participate in the workforce.

Summary

House Bill 816, known as the Fresh Start Act, proposes significant amendments to existing provisions within the Mississippi Code of 1972 related to occupational licensing. The bill seeks to revise Sections 73-77-5, 73-77-7, and 73-77-9 to enhance opportunities for individuals with criminal records to access licenses. By providing a pathway for these individuals to petition licensing authorities for determinations regarding their criminal records, the legislation aims to encourage rehabilitation and reduce barriers to employment for previous offenders. The act asserts that it will supersede any existing law to the contrary, establishing a clearer framework for addressing occupational licensing in relation to criminal history.

Contention

However, the Fresh Start Act has incited debate among legislators and advocacy groups regarding its implications for public safety. Critics may express concerns about the potential for individuals with serious criminal histories to gain access to certain professions, possibly endangering public welfare. Proponents, on the other hand, emphasize the bill’s intent to balance public safety with fairness and rehabilitation efforts. As the legislation moves forward, it will likely face scrutiny concerning how such provisions will be implemented effectively without compromising public trust.