MS HB321

Amends Section 43-21-105 of the Mississippi Code to redefine "abused child" to include children who are trafficked under the Mississippi Human Trafficking Act (Section 97-3-54 et seq.).

Adds a new subsection (ii) to the definition of "abused child" stating that a child who is or has been trafficked by any person, regardless of the relationship between the trafficker and child, is considered an abused child.

Clarifies that the trafficking provision applies without regard to whether the trafficker has any legal relationship to the child.

Maintains existing protections for parents using reasonable physical discipline, such as spanking, which shall not be deemed abuse.

Takes effect upon passage.