MS HB19

Amends Mississippi Code Section 97-27-14 to revise criminal penalties for knowingly exposing another person to HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, with prior knowledge and willing consent serving as a defense

Creates the crime of "endangerment by bodily substance" for prisoners or offenders who attempt to cause or knowingly cause corrections employees, visitors, or other inmates to come into contact with blood, seminal fluid, urine, feces, or saliva

Elevates endangerment by bodily substance from a misdemeanor to a felony only when the person knows they are infected with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C AND the contact involves blood or seminal fluid specifically

Misdemeanor violations carry penalties of up to 1 year in county jail and/or a $1,000 fine

Felony violations carry penalties of 3-10 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000, with an effective date of July 1, 2021