MS SB2047

Amends Section 97-35-47 to explicitly include false reports of child abuse or neglect as unlawful, making violations punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine not exceeding $5,000.

Requires defendants convicted of making false reports to pay restitution to law enforcement agencies for reasonable costs directly related to investigation and prosecution.

Creates civil liability for persons who knowingly, willfully, and maliciously make false reports of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect, allowing recovery of damages including reasonable attorney fees and costs.

Defines a false report as one lacking rational argument support, unsupported by credible evidence, unlikely to succeed to a reasonable person, or completely untenable.

Effective date: July 1, 2015.