MS HR23

Creates new House Rule 104C requiring racial and ethnic impact statements to be attached to any bill, concurrent resolution, or amendment that creates a public offense, significantly changes an existing offense or penalty, or changes sentencing, parole, or probation procedures before floor debate.

Designates the Department of Public Safety's Office of Public Safety Planning, in consultation with the Mississippi Department of Corrections, to prepare impact statements that must include estimates of how legislation would change the racial and ethnic composition of the criminal offender population and affected crime victims.

Allows any legislator to motion for preparation of a racial and ethnic impact statement during floor debate if one was not previously attached to the proposed legislation.

Requires state agencies that award grants to include racial and ethnic impact statements in grant applications, documenting any disproportionate impacts on minority persons, the rationale for such impacts, and evidence of consultation with minority representatives.

Establishes that racial and ethnic impact statements are for informational purposes only and applies grant requirements only to corporations or legal entities, not natural persons.