MS SB2595

Raises the age of consent from 16 to 18 years old for statutory rape charges under Section 97-3-65(1)(a), requiring the accused to be at least 18 years old and the victim to be at least 14 but under 18 years old with a 36-month age difference.

Expands sexual battery charges under Section 97-3-95(1)(c) to include victims at least 14 but under 18 years old (previously 16) when the perpetrator is 36 or more months older.

Eliminates subsection 97-3-95(2) which previously made sexual contact with minors under 18 a crime when the perpetrator was in a position of trust or authority (such as teacher, counselor, or coach).

Updates imprisonment penalties to reference "custody of the Department of Corrections" instead of "State Penitentiary" throughout all three amended sections.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.