MS SB2225

Establishes civil liability for individuals who knowingly, willfully, and maliciously make false reports of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect

Extends liability to anyone who maliciously counsels another person to make a false report

Allows subjects of false reports to recover damages, including reasonable attorney fees and costs

Defines a report as false when it lacks credible evidence, no rational argument supports it, a reasonable person would not expect its success, or it is completely untenable

Effective date of July 1, 2021