Bill > HB1078

This bill creates a new crime in Mississippi called "misappropriation of funds in connection with the payment of utility services," which applies to any "person" (defined broadly to include individuals, businesses, and their representatives) who receives money specifically to pay for utility services (defined by referencing existing law on "public utility") but knowingly fails to use that money for its intended purpose within 60 days of receiving the bill, or uses deception to avoid paying. The severity of the crime and its penalties, including imprisonment and fines, are tiered based on the amount of money misappropriated, ranging from less than $1,000 to $25,000 or more, with mandatory restitution to victims. However, this law does not apply if the failure to pay is due to the tenant not providing sufficient funds or if the delay is caused by an administrative, clerical, or technical error by the utility company itself.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1078.xml