MS HB121

Amends Section 97-27-14 of Mississippi Code to make knowingly exposing another person to HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C unlawful as a felony, with prior knowledge and willing consent as a defense.

Creates crime of "endangerment by bodily substance" for attempting to cause or knowingly causing corrections employees, visitors, prisoners, or offenders to contact blood, seminal fluid, urine, feces, or saliva.

Elevates endangerment by bodily substance from misdemeanor to felony when the person knows they are infected with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C and the exposure involves blood or seminal fluid specifically.

Establishes felony penalties of 3-10 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine; misdemeanor penalties of up to 1 year county jail and up to $1,000 fine.

Effective July 1, 2019.