MS HB159

Amends Mississippi Code Section 99-47-1 to expand the definition of "domestic violence" to include persons living as spouses, children of cohabiting partners, and those with biological or legally adopted children in common with the defendant.

Establishes an Address Confidentiality Program allowing victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking to apply to the Attorney General's office for a substitute mailing address to keep their actual address confidential.

Requires applicants to provide a sworn statement, designation of the Attorney General as agent for service of process, confidential contact information, and evidence of victimization from law enforcement records, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, or other sources.

Certifies approved applicants as program participants for four years and allows them to use the substitute address with public bodies; prohibits disclosure of participant information except to law enforcement for official use, by court order, or to verify program participation.

Establishes criminal penalties including a $500 fine or six months jail for false applications, a $2,000 fine or two years jail for fraudulent attempts to access confidential addresses, and similar penalties for using the program to evade civil or criminal liability.