Bill > HB755

This bill modifies Mississippi's statutory rape law to create a specific exception for consensual sexual relationships between students who are both enrolled in secondary school (defined as grades seven through twelve). The bill adds a new provision that creates a rebuttable presumption that statutory rape has not occurred if both individuals are consensually dating and are simultaneously enrolled as secondary school students. Specifically, the bill changes existing law by adding language that prevents prosecution under statutory rape statutes when both parties are dating and in secondary school, effectively protecting consensual sexual interactions between students of similar ages. The law continues to maintain strict protections for sexual interactions involving individuals under fourteen years old and preserves existing penalties for older individuals who engage in sexual activities withminors. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing a clear timeline for implementation of these revised legal standards. This modification aims to address situations where young people in similar educational settings and age ranges engage in consensual sexual activities, recognizing the nuanced nature of relationships among teenage students.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0755.xml