Bill > HB1404

This bill creates a new crime called "fraudulent utility conversion" in Mississippi law, which occurs when a person receives utility payments from a tenant but fails to pay the utility provider, leading to the interruption of the tenant's services. The bill defines "person" broadly to include individuals and various business entities, as well as their authorized representatives. Penalties for this crime vary based on the amount of money converted, ranging from minor fines and short jail time for amounts under $1,000 to significant prison sentences and substantial fines for amounts of $25,000 or more. In addition to criminal penalties, offenders will be required to reimburse tenants for utility payments not forwarded to providers and may also be ordered to cover reasonable costs incurred due to service interruptions. The bill also amends existing law to explicitly make paying utilities a landlord's duty, and failure to do so can be grounds for a tenant to terminate a lease, unless the interruption is due to legitimate repairs or emergencies. The existing duties of tenants regarding property maintenance and conduct are also restated.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1404.xml