MS HB1037

Creates the crime of "unlawful harboring" as a misdemeanor for hiding or assisting in hiding individuals who have illegally entered or remained in the United States, with a minimum fine of $1,000 per person harbored

Establishes "unlawful human smuggling" as a felony when transporting 10+ adults or 5+ minors for commercial advantage while concealing them from law enforcement, with penalties of 2-10 years imprisonment and $5,000-$20,000 in fines for adult victims

Imposes harsher penalties for smuggling minors: 4-20 years imprisonment and fines of $10,000-$30,000

Amends Mississippi's existing Human Trafficking Act to add "hides" and "smuggles" to the list of prohibited trafficking activities and expands the definition of coercion to include false promises of delivery to the United States

Takes effect July 1, 2026