MS HB1598

Removes "forcible" as an element of the crime of assault with intent of sexual penetration under Section 97-3-71, changing the statute to apply to all sexual penetration without requiring force.

Brings forward Sections 97-3-95 through 97-3-103 relating to sexual battery and statutory rape, including definitions of sexual penetration, mentally defective persons, mentally incapacitated persons, and physically helpless persons.

Establishes criminal sexual assault protection orders that courts may issue upon conviction, prohibiting offender contact with victims for minimum of two years after sentence completion, with violation as a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 fine or six months jail time.

Maintains existing sentencing provisions for sexual battery and statutory rape convictions, ranging from five to forty years imprisonment depending on offender age and victim age, with life sentences available for certain offenses.

Takes effect July 1, 2025.