MS SB2863

Requires all Mississippi state agencies and political subdivisions to verify lawful presence in the United States for any person age 14 or older applying for state, local, or federal public benefits

Applicants must execute an affidavit under penalty of perjury stating they are either a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien lawfully present under federal immigration law

Non-citizen applicants must be verified through the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE) Program operated by the Department of Homeland Security

Exempts emergency medical treatment, disaster relief, immunizations, communicable disease treatment, soup kitchens, crisis counseling, and short-term shelter from verification requirements

Making a false statement on the required affidavit constitutes a criminal offense under Section 97-7-10, and false citizenship claims must be reported to the U.S. Attorney

State agencies must submit annual compliance reports to the Attorney General, who monitors for errors and reports issues to the Department of Homeland Security