MS HB1207

Amends Section 97-5-33 to clarify that child sexual exploitation crimes include conduct "by any means, including computer" across all seven subsections covering solicitation, depiction, transmission, receipt, possession, enticement, and inducement of minors.

Modifies Section 97-5-35 penalties to allow 18-year-olds to be prosecuted under child exploitation statutes when the victim is 14-15 years old, with first offense penalties of $50,000-$500,000 fine and 5-40 years imprisonment, and second offense penalties of $100,000-$1,000,000 fine and 20 years to life imprisonment.

Codifies Section 97-5-27 computer luring provisions as a felony offense punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine for using computer systems to initiate sexually oriented communications with minors and solicit sexual activity or performances.

Establishes defenses to computer luring charges including reasonable age verification attempts, implementation of access restrictions through credit cards or age verification codes, and use of effective blocking or screening mechanisms.

Takes effect July 1, 2022.