MS HB1075

Amends Mississippi Code Section 43-47-19 to add intentional infliction of severe mental anguish upon a vulnerable person as a felony offense.

Establishes sentencing of 1-5 years in the Department of Corrections and fines of $2,000-$5,000 for willfully inflicting severe mental anguish on a vulnerable person.

Maintains existing penalties for other vulnerable person abuse offenses, including misdemeanor neglect/abuse (up to $1,000 fine or 1 year jail) and felony physical abuse (up to 20 years imprisonment).

Provides that third or subsequent misdemeanor convictions under this section within a 5-year period become felonies with 1-5 years imprisonment and $2,000-$5,000 fines.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.