Bill > HB1294

This bill amends Mississippi law to revise the age of a child involved in grooming offenses when the perpetrator is in a position of trust. Specifically, it changes the definition of a child for the purposes of this section from someone under sixteen (16) years of age to someone under eighteen (18) years of age. This means that if a person over twenty-one (21) years old, who is in a position of trust or authority over a child, engages in a pattern of conduct or communication to entice or coerce that child into sexually explicit conduct, human trafficking, or sexual servitude, they will face more severe penalties. A "position of trust or authority" includes roles like teachers, counselors, guardians, and coaches. The bill aims to strengthen protections for minors by expanding the age range covered by these specific grooming and sexual battery laws when an adult in a position of power is involved.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1294.xml