Bill > HB100

This bill amends Mississippi Code Section 99-19-75 to modify fines and penalties related to certain criminal offenses, specifically expanding the assessment of financial penalties for human trafficking and sexual exploitation cases. The bill introduces a new provision that allows courts to impose an assessment of up to $1,000 for misdemeanor simple assault (Section 97-3-7) violations, with the collected funds to be deposited into the "Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund". This change builds upon existing law that already imposes similar assessments for more serious felony offenses involving human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and crimes against minors. The bill also revises the list of specific criminal sections to which these monetary assessments apply, adding some sections and removing others. The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving legal systems time to prepare for the implementation of these updated fine structures. By creating this additional financial penalty for misdemeanor simple assault, the bill aims to generate more resources for supporting victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0100.xml