MS HB1537

Amends Mississippi Code sections 97-31-55 and 41-29-149.1 to provide immunity for persons who report sexual offenses or seek assistance related to sexual offenses.

Defines "sexual offense" to include alleged violations of sections 97-3-65, 97-3-95, 97-5-23, 97-5-24, 97-5-41, 97-29-3, and 97-29-7, regardless of whether civil or criminal action results.

Protects persons from arrest, citation, or prosecution for alcohol-related offenses if they sought emergency medical assistance or law enforcement assistance for a sexual offense while acting in good faith and cooperating with authorities.

Extends existing Good Samaritan protections for drug overdose reporting to include persons who are victims of or witnesses to sexual offenses, renaming the statute the "Mississippi Medical Emergency Good Samaritan and Aid to Sexual Offense Victim Reporting Act."

Takes effect July 1, 2024.