Mississippi has no general law regulating consideration of criminal record in employment, and it has none of the limits on application-stage inquiries for public employers that exist in numerous states. Pardons remove employment disabilities, and individuals with expunged criminal convictions need not disclose them if asked in connection with an employment application.
Licensing agencies “may only consider criminal records that are specific and directly related to the duties and responsibilities for the licensed occupation when evaluating applicants,” as determined by a multi-factor test. Vague terms like “good moral character” are prohibited. Agencies must provide a written explanation for denial based on the stated factors “sufficient for a reviewing court.” Individuals may seek a preliminary determination as to whether their record will disqualify them, and the agency will provide it promptly.
