MS HB826

Amends Section 41-43-53 of the Mississippi Code to add criminal penalties for embezzlement or fraudulent misapplication of perpetual care trust funds.

Persons, partnerships, corporations, or organizations convicted of embezzling or knowingly misapplying perpetual care trust funds face imprisonment up to 10 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, or a fine up to $1,000 and county jail time up to 1 year.

Each violation of the perpetual care trust fund provisions constitutes a separate offense.

Maintains existing penalties for other violations of perpetual care cemetery regulations: fines of $500 to $1,000 or county jail time up to 1 year, or both.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.