MS HB11

Amends Mississippi Code Section 23-15-875 to prohibit false statements of material fact reflecting upon a candidate's honesty, integrity, or moral character regarding their public life if made with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth.

Places burden of proof on the candidate against whom defamatory statements are made to prove the statement is false and that it was made with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard.

Maintains existing prohibition on charges reflecting on a candidate's private life, with burden of proof on the person making the charge to show truth.

Prohibits all such charges, whether true or false, from being made on election day or within five days before an election.

Establishes violation as a misdemeanor with bond requirement of $500 and requirement that persons filing false affidavits pay court costs if the accused is acquitted; effective July 1, 2016.