MS HB1285

Amends Section 41-29-142 to revise penalties for drug offenses committed in drug-free zones near schools and other facilities.

Reduces the distance requirement from 1,500 feet to 500 feet for buildings that are part of public or private elementary, vocational, or secondary schools.

Adds requirement that persons under 18 years of age must be "reasonably expected to be present" at the time of the offense for enhanced penalties to apply.

Removes previous language requiring compliance within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising schools and other facilities.

Creates exception to drug-free zone penalties when an offense is committed inside a private residence with no persons under 18 years of age present; effective July 1, 2015.