MS HB1394

First conviction for contributing to child neglect, delinquency, or abuse is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail.

Second conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail.

Third or subsequent conviction is a felony punishable by up to $5,000 fine and/or up to five years imprisonment, with prior convictions more than five years old disregarded.

Permits judges to suspend sentences and require treatment at an approved facility as alternative to criminal penalties, but only once per offender.

Effective July 1, 2017.