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HB 4138

Suffrage; restore to Lamar Sampson of Humphreys County.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Timaka James-Jones

HB 4138 restores Lamar Sampson’s voting rights in full after his arson conviction, recognizing rehabilitation and effective upon enactment.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 4138

Bill Summary: HB 4138 (Mississippi, 2026 Session)

Overall purpose

HB 4138 seeks to restore the right to vote (suffrage) to Lamar Sampson of Humphreys County, Mississippi, who was previously disqualified from voting due to a criminal conviction. The bill explicitly states that Sampson’s suffrage is to be “fully and completely restored.”

Key provisions

  • Restoration of voting rights: The primary provision declares that Lamar Sampson’s right to vote is restored in full.
  • Background of disqualification: The basis for the prior disqualification is Sampson’s 2013 conviction for Arson and Conspiracy to Commit Arson in Humphreys County. He served a sentence of three years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections (suspended) and two years of supervised probation.
  • Probation period and discharge: Sampson was released on probation on April 25, 2013, and discharged from probation on April 13, 2015. The bill notes that he has since lived as a law-abiding and honorable citizen.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Lamar Sampson (Humphreys County): The bill specifically targets the restoration of his voting rights. It does not appear to alter suffrage for others beyond this individual case.
  • In practice, the bill would re-establish Sampson’s eligibility to participate in elections subject to Mississippi’s general voter eligibility rules (e.g., not currently disqualified for other reasons).

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Status: Died in Committee (as of the Action History; the bill text indicates intended passage if enacted).
  • Lifecycle shown in records:
    • Referred to Judiciary B (March 12, 2026)
    • Passed (March 19, 2026)
    • Title Suff Do Pass (March 18, 2026)
    • Transmitted to Senate (March 20, 2026)
    • Died in Committee (April 15, 2026)
  • Effective date upon passage: Standard for enacted statutes; the bill would take effect once signed into law and published.

Notes on scope and potential impact

  • The bill is a targeted remedy for a single individual and does not establish a general policy change regarding voting rights restoration for others with similar convictions.
  • It reflects a legislative recognition of rehabilitation and eligibility restoration after probation completion.

Summary takeaway

HB 4138 is a narrowly tailored measure to restore the suffrage rights of Lamar Sampson in Humphreys County, acknowledging his conduct since release from probation and declaring his voting rights restored effective upon enactment. The bill follows standard legislative steps but, in this instance, did not advance to enactment in the session.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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