MS HC53

Supports state efforts to prioritize restitution payments to crime victims over criminal fines, fees, and other criminal justice financial obligations.

Notes that uncollected restitution debt totals over $40 billion nationally, exceeding all other forms of uncollected federal criminal debt.

Cites research showing that requiring former offenders to pay high restitution obligations reduces recidivism rates and likelihood of reoffending, while criminal fines and fees do not reduce recidivism.

Directs the Mississippi Legislature to develop legislation that prioritizes victim restitution over all other criminal justice financial obligations.

Acknowledges that courts already order restitution in cases with calculable monetary losses, but ordered restitution often goes uncollected, leaving victims without financial resources and validation.