MS HB304

First conviction for contributing to child neglect, delinquency, or abuse is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail.

Second conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail.

Third or subsequent conviction is a felony punishable by up to $5,000 fine and/or up to five years imprisonment, with prior convictions more than ten years old disregarded.

Convictions for felonious child abuse (burning, torturing, poisoning, or using deadly weapons) carry sentences of at least five years up to life imprisonment, with life sentences for second or subsequent convictions.

Effective date is July 1, 2019.