MS SB2177

Amends Mississippi Code Section 97-3-65 to require that a person must knowingly understand the child is underage in order to be convicted of statutory rape.

Applies the knowledge requirement to both subsections: persons 17+ with children 14-15 years old (with 36+ month age gap), and any person with children under 14 years old (with 24+ month age gap).

Maintains existing sentencing structures ranging from up to 5 years imprisonment for offenders 18-20 years old to life imprisonment for offenders 18+ convicted under the under-14 provision.

Establishes criminal sexual assault protection orders lasting minimum 2 years after sentence expiration, with violations constituting misdemeanors punishable by up to $500 fine and 6 months jail time.

Takes effect upon passage.