summary
Introduced
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
In Committee
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Lower The Age Of Majority From Twenty-one To Eighteen; To Amend Section 1-3-21, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform The Definition Of Infant; To Amend Section 11-46-11, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise The Savings Clause Of The Tort Claims Act To Conform; To Amend Sections 13-5-1 And 13-5-12, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise The Age Of Jury Service; To Amend Section 15-1-27, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform The Limitations Applicable To An Action By A Ward Against A Guardian Or Surety; To Amend Section 15-1-59, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform The Saving In Favor Of Persons Under Disability Of Unsoundness Of Mind Within The Chapter Addressing The Limitations Of Civil Actions; To Amend Section 21-15-13, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise The Militia Power Of The Mayor To Conform; To Amend Section 25-4-3, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise The Definition Of "household Member" Within The Article Establishing The Mississippi Ethics Commission To Conform; To Amend Section 41-29-145, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise The Punishment Of The Distribution Of Controlled Substances To Minors To Conform; To Amend Section 43-19-33, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform The Age Of Mandatory Support In An Order Of Filiation; To Amend Section 91-5-3, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform As To The Age Of Issue Capable Of Inheriting; To Amend Section 91-7-293, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform As To Final Accounting By The Heirs Of An Estate; To Amend Section 93-1-5, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform The Age For Issuance Of A Marriage License; To Amend Section 93-9-9, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform Provisions As To Age For The Terms Of A Decree For Removal Of The Disability Of A Minor; To Amend Section 93-11-65, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise The Age Of Emancipation; To Amend Section 93-14-102, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform The Definition Of The Term "adult" For The Purposes Of The Uniform Adult Guardianship And Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act; To Amend Section 93-15-103, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform The Definition Of The Term "minor Parent" In The Termination Of Parental Rights Law; To Amend Section 93-17-5, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform As To The Age Of Parents In An Adoption; To Amend Section 93-17-205, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise Provisions Concerning Adoption Records To Conform; To Amend Section 93-17-215, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform As To A Person's Authority To Request Certain Information Concerning Adoption; To Amend Section 93-20-102, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise The Age Of Majority Under Guardianship And Conservatorship Law To Conform; To Amend Section 97-33-23, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform The Penalty For Gambling With A Known Minor; To Amend Section 99-3-45, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform As To Which Persons Must Be Given Certain Notice Upon Release From Arrest; To Repeal Section 35-7-43, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Provides For The Removal Of The Disabilities Of Minority Of Certain Veterans; To Repeal Section 91-7-37, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Provides For The Removal Of The Disabilities Of Minority For Certain Executors, Executrixes, Administrators Or Administratrixes; To Bring Forward Section 93-19-13, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Provides That All Persons Eighteen Years Of Age Or Older, If Not Otherwise Disqualified, Shall Have The Capacity To Enter Into Binding Contractual Relationships Affecting Personal Property And That An Eighteen-year-old May Sue And Be Sued In His Own Name As An Adult And Be Served With Process As An Adult, For Purposes Of Amendment; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, titled "Age of majority; revise," proposes to lower the age of majority in Mississippi from twenty-one (21) to eighteen (18) years old. This change will affect numerous state laws, including the definition of an "infant" (now anyone under 18), eligibility for jury service, the age at which individuals can enter into binding contracts, and various provisions related to legal proceedings, support obligations, and parental rights. The bill amends existing sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to reflect this new age of majority, ensuring consistency across different legal contexts such as the Tort Claims Act, limitations on civil actions, marriage licenses, adoption, and guardianship. It also repeals certain provisions that specifically addressed the removal of minority disabilities for veterans and certain estate administrators, as these will now be covered by the general age of majority change. The bill also clarifies that emancipation for child support purposes will occur at age 18, provided the child is no longer attending high school, and updates the definition of "adult" in guardianship and protective proceedings to 18. Finally, it brings forward a section of law that already grants 18-year-olds the capacity to enter into contracts and sue or be sued as adults, reinforcing the bill's central aim.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0277.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/0200-0299/HB0277IN.htm |
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