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Bill

HB 4137

Suffrage; restore to Robert L. Adams of Washington County.

2026 Regular Session

Restores full voting rights to Robert L. Adams after prior manslaughter convictions, granting him eligibility to participate in elections once enacted.

Died In Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4137

Summary of HB 4137 (2026) — Mississippi

Purpose

  • Restore the right of suffrage (the right to vote) to Robert L. Adams of Washington County, Mississippi.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Restoration of suffrage
    • The bill states that the right to vote is “fully and completely restored” to Robert L. Adams.
    • Basis for prior disqualification: Adams was convicted of Manslaughter in Washington County on November 20, 2002, resulting in an 8-year sentence in the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
    • Subsequent history:
    • Released to Earned Release Supervision on April 20, 2006; discharged May 5, 2007.
    • On April 13, 2010, Adams was sentenced to 20 years for Manslaughter in Washington County.
    • Released to Earned Release Supervision on February 15, 2019; discharged December 14, 2021.
    • The Legislature notes that Adams has since conducted himself as a law-abiding and honorable citizen.
  • Section 2: Effective date
    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Robert L. Adams of Washington County, Mississippi (restoration of voting rights).
  • Indirectly: Voters and election officials in Washington County, and the broader public interested in the restoration of civil rights for individuals with prior felony convictions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Action History:
    • Referred to Judiciary B on March 11, 2026.
    • Scheduled action noted as “Died In Committee” on April 15, 2026, with an associated procedural note “Suspend from Deadlines by HC 64.”
  • In its current form, the bill would become law if enacted and signed, taking effect after passage.

Context and Implications

  • The bill follows a growing pattern in some states of restoring voting rights to individuals after completion of sentence, supervision, and any applicable penalties.
  • If enacted, Adams would regain the right to participate in elections (e.g., voting, and potentially other electoral rights) as a restored elector.
  • The bill is narrowly targeted to a single individual, rather than a broad policy change affecting many felons or broader suffrage restoration rules.

Note

  • The current status indicates the bill died in committee as of the latest action history provided. If introduced again or amended, it would require passage by both chambers and the governor to become law.

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

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