Bill > HB1615

This bill amends Mississippi law to include employees of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS) within the group of individuals whose professions qualify for enhanced criminal penalties if targeted by a crime. Specifically, it adds "Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services employee" to the list of professions, alongside law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians, for which enhanced penalties can be applied if a felony or misdemeanor is committed with the specific intent to target someone because of their employment in these roles. The bill defines an "MDCPS employee" as anyone employed by the department in the Social Services Occupational Group, as defined by the Variable Compensation Plan, and clarifies that these enhanced penalties are in addition to existing provisions for crimes motivated by a victim's race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, national origin, or gender.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1615.xml