Bill > HB199

This bill amends existing Mississippi law to establish more specific penalties for making false reports involving schools and educational institutions, creating a new subsection that distinguishes between penalties for adults and minors. Under the new provisions, individuals who knowingly make false reports that intentionally disrupt or interfere with school operations can be prosecuted, with adults facing potential imprisonment up to five years and/or a fine up to $10,000. For minor defendants, the youth court is required to impose at least 120 hours of community service, a fine up to $10,000, or both. If a minor violates the court's initial sentence, they can be sent to a juvenile detention facility for 10-15 days. The bill also allows law enforcement agencies to seek reimbursement for investigation and prosecution costs from those found guilty of making false reports. The law defines a false report as one unsupported by credible evidence that was intentionally submitted with knowledge of its falsehood. This legislation aims to deter false reporting and protect the operational integrity of educational institutions by implementing significant consequences for such actions. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0199.xml