MS SB2844

Prohibits persons from knowingly accessing nonpublic areas of commercial property (including businesses, agricultural operations, and residential property used for business) and exceeding their authority to enter those areas.

Defines exceeding authority as entering for reasons other than seeking employment or conducting legitimate business, then capturing data/records, recording images or sound, placing surveillance devices, conspiring in theft, or substantially interfering with property ownership.

Makes persons who knowingly direct or assist in violations jointly liable for damages; allows courts to award equitable relief, compensatory damages, attorney's fees, and up to $5,000 per day in additional damages when actual damages cannot be quantified.

Preserves existing employee protections under state and federal law and does not replace other available remedies for the prohibited acts.

Exempts state agencies, state-funded higher education institutions, law enforcement officers in lawful investigations, and property owners/operators from the act's provisions; effective July 1, 2018.