MS HB1559

Authorizes the Office of the Attorney General to establish a program funding shelters and victim service providers offering free counseling, medical care, transitional housing, and related services to human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation victims.

Creates the "Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund" in the State Treasury, funded by legislative appropriations, interest, federal grants, donations, and $1,000 assessments imposed on persons convicted of trafficking-related crimes.

Requires qualifying shelters to be nonprofit corporations with diverse boards including trafficking survivors, provide 24/7 shelter and crisis lines, offer trauma-informed therapy, medical referrals, and job training, and maintain local funding of at least 15 percent.

Mandates the Department of Child Protection Services hire a Coordinator of Services for Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation to form specialized assessment teams, identify victims, and develop standard procedures for investigating and providing services to trafficking victims.

Imposes $1,000 assessments on persons convicted under human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation statutes (Sections 97-3-7, 97-3-54.1, 97-3-65, 97-3-95, 97-5-1 et seq., and 97-29-51) to be deposited into the victim services fund.