MS SB2676

Restructures forgery penalties into tiered system based on dollar amount: under $1,000 (up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine); $1,000-$5,000 (up to 5 years, $10,000 fine); $5,000-$25,000 (up to 10 years, $10,000 fine); $25,000+ (up to 20 years, $10,000 fine)

Creates separate, stricter penalty structure for forgery of specific documents under Sections 97-21-13, 97-21-15, 97-21-17, and 97-21-23, treating all such offenses as felonies regardless of amount

Requires courts to find "substantial and compelling reasons" before imposing jail time for forgeries under $1,000; otherwise must suspend sentence and impose probation up to one year

Third or subsequent forgery offense with value of $500 or more carries up to 3 years imprisonment in Department of Corrections custody

Effective date of July 1, 2018