A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 117 AND SECTION 250, MISSISSIPPI CONSTITUTION OF 1890, TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR AND EVERY PERSON SELECTED FOR OFFICE IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AFTER JANUARY 1, 2027, TO BE A NATURAL-BORN CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
If approved, these amendments would impact the eligibility criteria for various state offices, most notably that of the governor. This could effectively exclude candidates who are naturalized citizens from running for office, limiting the pool of eligible candidates and potentially altering the political landscape in Mississippi. As these requirements are set to come into effect after the next election period, they will fundamentally redefine the types of candidates that can seek public office in the state.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 29 proposes amendments to the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, specifically targeting Sections 117 and 250. The amendments stipulate that beginning January 1, 2027, all candidates for the office of governor, as well as any person selected for office in Mississippi, must be natural-born citizens of the United States. This change is designed to establish a clear citizenship requirement for holding public office in the state, reflecting a value placed on the birthright citizenship of those who govern.
Election
The proposed amendments will be submitted for voter approval in an election scheduled for the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November 2026. This timeline implies that public opinion and political campaigning surrounding this initiative could significantly influence voter sentiment and outcomes regarding these constitutional changes.
Contention
The bill is likely to attract significant discussion and contention, particularly around the implications of defining citizenship in such narrow terms. Proponents may argue that establishing a natural-born requirement is crucial for ensuring loyalty and a certain national identity in public office holders. In contrast, opponents could raise concerns regarding discrimination against naturalized citizens and the practicality of such a requirement in contemporary politics, especially considering the diverse backgrounds of many current citizens who contribute to the state's governance.