MS HB107

Creates the "Sandusky Rule" requiring principals, teachers, and school employees to report rape, sexual battery, fondling, or touching of a child to school district superintendent or law enforcement.

School employees who fail to report these specific sexual offenses against children shall be held equally criminally liable as the actual offender upon conviction.

Superintendent or designee must immediately report suspected sexual offenses involving children to local law enforcement; failure to report results in penalties under Section 37-11-35.

Penalties for willful failure to report sexual offenses against children include criminal liability equal to the offender, rather than the standard misdemeanor penalty of up to $1,000 fine or six months imprisonment.

Act becomes effective July 1, 2013.