MS HB1357

Amends Section 97-21-33 of the Mississippi Code to add penalties for counterfeiting gold or silver coins under Sections 97-21-13, 97-21-15, 97-21-17, or 97-21-23.

Creates a new subsection (5) establishing felony penalties for counterfeiting offenses with three tiers based on value involved: up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine for values under $5,000; up to 10 years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine for values $5,000 to $24,999; and up to 20 years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine for values $25,000 or more.

Applies these enhanced penalties separately from general forgery penalties in subsections (1)-(4), which continue to apply to other types of forgery cases.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.