MS SB2065

Establishes that making a false report of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Child Protection Services is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $5,000.

Creates civil liability for persons who knowingly and willfully make false reports of child abuse or neglect, allowing victims to recover damages including reasonable attorney fees and costs.

Allows court-ordered disclosure of the identity of a person who made a knowingly false allegation of child abuse or neglect to the accused person or to a prosecutor prosecuting an offense under the false reporting law.

Defines a false report as one where no rational argument can be advanced in its support, it is unsupported by credible evidence, a reasonable person could not expect its success, or it is completely untenable.

Updates references throughout Mississippi Code to the "Department of Child Protection Services" and clarifies procedures for protecting reporter confidentiality except when disclosure is ordered by a court.