MS SB2154

Raises the age of consent from 16 to 18 years old for statutory rape charges under Section 97-3-65, requiring the accused to be at least 18 years old and the victim to be at least 14 but under 18 years old with a 36-month age difference.

Modifies sexual battery provisions in Section 97-3-95 to change the age threshold from 16 to 18 years old for charges involving minors at least 14 but under 18 years old, maintaining the 36-month age difference requirement.

Updates sentencing provisions throughout the statute to replace references to "State Penitentiary" with "custody of the Department of Corrections" for all sexual offense convictions.

Removes the provision making sexual battery a crime when a person in a position of trust or authority engages in sexual penetration with any child under 18 years old.

Effective date: July 1, 2020.