MS SB2877

Amends Mississippi Code to allow paternity to be established through written declaration under penalty of perjury by the mother, rather than requiring a sworn affidavit.

Permits a putative father to acknowledge paternity in writing with the mother's written declaration, creating the same legal effect as a court order for filiation and support without requiring formal legal proceedings.

Modifies genetic testing procedures to accept written declarations under penalty of perjury from the mother, putative father, or Department of Human Services in place of sworn documentation.

Changes language throughout the relevant statutes from "affirmation" and "sworn to" to "declaration made under penalty of perjury to the best of knowledge, information and belief."

Effective date: July 1, 2020.