MS HB1149

All new criminal offenses created after July 1, 2021 must specify the degree of mental culpability required; any offense created without this specification is void.

Defines four levels of culpable mental states: purposely (specific intention), knowingly (aware conduct will probably cause result), recklessly (heedless disregard of substantial risk), and negligently (substantial lapse from due care).

A person is generally not guilty of an offense unless they committed a voluntary act or omission and possessed the required culpable mental state for each element, except when a statute plainly indicates intent to impose strict criminal liability.

When a statute does not specify culpability and does not indicate intent to impose strict liability, the element is established only if the individual acted recklessly.

Establishes that higher levels of culpability (purpose, knowledge, recklessness) satisfy requirements for lower levels (negligence), and voluntary intoxication cannot be considered in determining mental state elements.