MS SB2281

Establishes the offense of "bias motivated intimidation" targeting first responders (firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical technicians) based on their actual or perceived employment status.

Creates criminal penalties of 1-5 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $5,000 for causing death, serious bodily injury, or property damage exceeding $500 to a first responder through malicious intimidation, harassment, or terrorization.

Requires each violation to be charged as a separate offense that does not merge with other crimes and mandates sentences run consecutively to any related offenses.

Becomes effective July 1, 2021.