Bill > HB615

This bill modifies the existing Mississippi state law regarding court-ordered restitution to prioritize victim compensation over court costs and fines. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that requires justice, county, and municipal courts to ensure that any court-ordered restitution to a victim must be paid in full before the court can collect any court-ordered costs or fines. The existing law already allows courts to order restitution when a person is convicted of criminal activities that result in financial damages, with justice courts limited to restitution orders of up to $5,000. When determining restitution, courts currently consider the defendant's financial resources, ability to pay, and the potential rehabilitative effects of the payment. The new section (5) introduced by this bill explicitly mandates that victim restitution takes precedence over court fees, ensuring that victims are compensated before the court receives any monetary disbursements. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving courts and legal systems time to prepare for the implementation of this new requirement.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0615.xml