MS HB742

Adds members of the Mississippi National Guard and United States Armed Forces to the list of protected persons whose assault constitutes an aggravating circumstance under state law

Simple assault on military members acting within the scope of their duty increases maximum penalty from $500 fine and/or 6 months jail to $1,000 fine and/or 5 years imprisonment

Aggravated assault on military members acting within the scope of their duty increases maximum penalty to $5,000 fine and/or 30 years imprisonment, up from 1 year in county jail or 20 years in the penitentiary

Military personnel join existing protected categories including law enforcement officers, firefighters, judges, teachers, and elected officials

Effective date of July 1, 2016