MS HB16

Creates Section 97-5-51 establishing mandatory reporting requirements for sex crimes against minors under age 16, including rape, sexual battery, child exploitation, and related offenses.

Defines mandatory reporters as health care practitioners, clergy members, teaching or child care providers, law enforcement officers, and commercial image processors who must report suspected sex crimes immediately to law enforcement.

Protects reporter identity as confidential except for law enforcement and prosecutors; grants good faith reporters immunity from civil or criminal liability.

Requires physicians performing abortions on minors under age 14 to preserve fetal tissue if sex crime is suspected, with State Medical Examiner to adopt rules for preservation, chain of custody, and law enforcement communication.

Establishes penalties of up to $500 for first offense, up to $1,000 and 30 days imprisonment for second offense, and up to $5,000 and one year imprisonment for third or subsequent offenses; effective July 1, 2012.