MS SB2060

Raises the minimum age for statutory rape charges from 17 to 21 years old when the victim is 14-15 years old, protecting defendants ages 17-20 from felony prosecution in close-age relationships

Creates a new offense category for persons ages 17-20 who have sexual intercourse with someone 14-15 years old who is 48 or more months younger (previously 36 months)

Maintains existing protections for children under 14, where a person of any age can be charged if they are 24 or more months older than the child

Expands judicial discretion in sentencing for sexual battery convictions to include defendants ages 18-20 (previously only those under 18) when the age gap is 48 months or less

Updates statutory language throughout to replace "State Penitentiary" with "custody of the Department of Corrections"