MS HB1311

First conviction for contributing to child neglect or delinquency, aiding child escape, or harboring a child is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail.

Second conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail.

Third or subsequent conviction is a felony punishable by up to $5,000 fine and/or up to five years imprisonment, with prior convictions older than five years disregarded.

Felonious child abuse involving acts like burning, torture, or use of deadly weapons carries mandatory imprisonment of 5 years to life; second or subsequent convictions carry life sentences.

Felonious child abuse with bodily harm carries 2 to 10 years imprisonment; serious bodily harm carries 5 years to life, with life sentences for repeat offenders.