MS HB1367

Amends Section 43-21-353 of the Mississippi Code to require mandatory reporters of child abuse to contact the law enforcement agency of the municipality or county where the act occurred or the child resides immediately by telephone or otherwise.

Mandatory reporters include attorneys, physicians, dentists, nurses, psychologists, social workers, ministers, law enforcement officers, school employees, and child caregivers who suspect child abuse, neglect, commercial sexual exploitation, or human trafficking.

Department of Child Protection Services must immediately notify law enforcement for sexual abuse cases, felony abuse cases, or cases involving commercial sexual exploitation or human trafficking, and must notify prosecutors and the Statewide Human Trafficking Coordinator within 48 hours.

Law enforcement agencies and the department must file preliminary reports with the prosecutor's office within 24 hours of receiving abuse reports and provide continuing updates as new information becomes available.

Takes effect July 1, 2025.