Bill > HB571

This bill creates a new crime of child grooming in Mississippi, which occurs when a person intentionally attempts to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a child under 18 to engage in conduct that would constitute a sex offense. The penalties vary based on the offender's age: individuals 18-20 years old can face up to one year in prison or a $1,000 fine, while those 21 and older can face up to five years in prison or a $5,000 fine for a first offense, and up to ten years for subsequent offenses. The law includes an important affirmative defense: if the offender is under 18 and engaged in the conduct with another child who is within three years of their age and with whom they had a dating relationship, or was married to the other child, they may not be prosecuted. The bill references Section 45-33-23 (which appears to be a state sex offender registry law) to define what constitutes a sex offense, and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The primary intent is to protect minors from potential sexual predation by criminalizing preparatory actions designed to facilitate sexual offenses against children.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0571.xml