MS SB2498

Requires mandatory reporters (healthcare practitioners, clergy, teachers, law enforcement, and photo processors) to report suspected sexual abuse of minors to law enforcement or state agencies within 48 hours, without using discretion to withhold reports.

Creates civil liability for mandatory reporters who willfully fail to report sexual abuse, allowing courts to award damages including emotional injury compensation, attorney's fees, litigation costs, and punitive damages.

Requires physicians performing abortions on minors under age 14 to preserve fetal tissue and submit it to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for DNA testing to identify perpetrators of sex crimes; violations constitute unprofessional conduct and misdemeanor on first offense or felony on subsequent offenses.

Prohibits any person from intentionally causing, aiding, or assisting a minor under 18 to obtain an abortion without required parental consent, creating civil liability for damages including emotional injury, attorney's fees, and punitive damages.

Takes effect July 1, 2011.