Bill > HB486

This bill amends the Mississippi Code of 1972 to remove the statute of limitations for certain serious crimes committed against children. Specifically, the bill expands existing legal provisions that provide exceptions for individuals with disabilities (such as being a minor or having unsoundness of mind) to bring personal legal actions. Under the new law, if a victim was a child or had an unsound mind at the time a specified serious crime was committed against them, they can now file a civil action at any time, without being constrained by traditional time limits. The specific crimes covered include felonious abuse or battery, sexual offenses involving children, child exploitation, promoting child prostitution, and various human trafficking offenses. Previously, while there was a provision allowing delayed legal action for people under disability, it was limited to 21 years and had more restrictive conditions. The bill will go into effect on July 1, 2025, giving victims of childhood abuse and exploitation more opportunities to seek legal recourse, regardless of how much time has passed since the original incident.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0486.xml