summary
Introduced
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Amend Section 43-21-355, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Clarify The Crime Of Willful False Claims Of Child Abuse; To Authorize Restitution Payments To The Department Of Child Protection Services; To Amend Section 97-35-47, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform To The Preceding Section; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill clarifies the crime of making willful false reports of child abuse by defining such a report as one that is unsupported by credible evidence and intentionally submitted by someone who knows it is false, with a defense available if the reporter reasonably relied on credible evidence. It also authorizes courts to order restitution payments to the Department of Child Protection Services (DCPS), a state agency responsible for child welfare, for costs associated with investigating these false reports, and makes conforming changes to existing law regarding penalties for false reports.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred To Judiciary, Division B (on 02/17/2026)
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/HB1577.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/1500-1599/HB1577PS.htm |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/1500-1599/HB1577CS.htm |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/1500-1599/HB1577IN.htm |
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