Bill > HB387

This bill amends Section 97-3-7 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to give judges more discretion when imposing fines for simple assault by replacing the mandatory "shall" with "may" in several key provisions. Specifically, the bill changes the language for simple assault penalties, allowing judges to decide whether to impose a fine up to $500 or a jail sentence of up to six months, instead of requiring both. Similarly, for simple assault against certain protected persons (such as law enforcement, public officials, or elderly individuals), the bill replaces the mandatory fine structure with a permissive one, allowing judges to impose a fine up to $1,000 or a jail sentence of up to five years. The bill also modifies the fine for simple domestic violence from a maximum of $500 to a maximum of $1,000, again giving judges more flexibility in sentencing. The changes aim to provide judicial discretion in assessing penalties, potentially allowing for more individualized and nuanced sentencing based on the specific circumstances of each case. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0387.xml