MS HB866

Revises penalties for various election crimes throughout Mississippi Code Section 97-13, increasing maximum prison sentences and fines for offenses like bribery, ballot tampering, and unauthorized voter assistance.

Creates three new election crime statutes: Section 97-13-41 makes false entries in election management systems a felony with up to 10 years imprisonment; Section 97-13-43 makes tampering with voting machines a felony with up to 10 years imprisonment and $5,000 fine; Section 97-13-45 establishes fines of $25-$100 for voters who improperly expose ballots or make false inability statements.

Adds new penalty provision in Section 97-13-39(2) creating a felony for using voter identification requirements to intimidate or prevent qualified voters, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and $5,000 fine.

Repeals three sections of Mississippi Code (23-15-117, 23-15-531.13, and 23-15-555) that previously addressed false poll book entries, ballot exposure, and voting compartment interference, consolidating these offenses in the revised Section 97-13.

Effective date: January 1, 2017.