MS HB1308

Creates new crime of child grooming under Mississippi Code Section 97-5-32, making it illegal for persons over age 21 to engage in a pattern of conduct or communication to prepare, persuade, or coerce a child under 16 to engage in sexually explicit conduct, human trafficking, or sexual servitude through in-person contact, electronic devices, social media, or other means.

Establishes tiered penalties: 2-10 years imprisonment and/or up to $10,000 fine for basic offense; 5-10 years imprisonment and/or up to $20,000 fine if offender held position of trust or authority over the child; and 10-20 years imprisonment and/or up to $30,000 fine for repeat offenders or registered sex offenders.

Removes "identifiable child" definition from Section 97-5-31 and modifies "morphed image" definition to apply to any depiction appearing to show a minor engaged in sexual conduct, rather than requiring proof the child is recognizable.

Allows prosecution under this section without requiring that sexually explicit conduct, human trafficking, or sexual servitude actually occurred, and permits venue in any county where conduct occurred, electronic device signal established, or child was located.

Effective date: July 1, 2025.