MS SB2516

Requires state agencies and political subdivisions to verify lawful presence in the United States for any person 14 years or older applying for state, local, or federal public benefits.

Applicants must execute an affidavit under penalty of perjury stating they are either a United States citizen or a qualified alien lawfully present in the United States.

Exempts verification requirements for emergency medical treatment, disaster relief, public health immunizations and communicable disease testing, and specified community assistance programs like soup kitchens and crisis shelters.

Makes it a violation of Mississippi law to knowingly and willfully make false statements in the required affidavit; federal false citizenship claims must be reported to the appropriate United States Attorney.

Requires state agencies administering public benefit programs to submit annual compliance reports to the Attorney General, who must monitor the SAVE verification system and report errors to the Department of Homeland Security; effective July 1, 2019.