MS HB554

Amends Mississippi law to clarify that electronic communications made with intent to "terrify, intimidate or harass" or threaten injury are unlawful, changing from the previous "and" conjunction

Expands venue provisions allowing prosecution in any county where an act was performed in furtherance of the violation, or any county from which, to which, or through which the offending communication occurs

First offense carries a fine up to $500 and/or up to 6 months in county jail; second offense within 5 years increases to $1,000 fine and/or up to 1 year in jail

Third or subsequent offense within 5 years constitutes a felony punishable by up to $2,000 fine and/or up to 2 years in state penitentiary

Effective date of July 1, 2015