MS HB54

Amends Mississippi Code Section 99-37-3 to require that in justice, county, or municipal courts, court-ordered restitution must be paid in full to the victim before any court costs and fines can be disbursed to the court

Maintains existing provisions allowing courts to order defendants convicted of crimes causing pecuniary damages to pay restitution to victims

Preserves the $5,000 cap on restitution amounts that justice courts may order

Courts must still consider the defendant's financial resources, ability to pay in installments, and rehabilitative effects when determining restitution amounts

Effective date: July 1, 2026