MS HB840

Enhanced penalties apply when a defendant knowingly and intentionally uses an artificial intelligence system to commit designated offenses including stalking, sexual extortion, crimes against children, fraud, forgery, identity theft, and crimes against public morals

Misdemeanor offenses committed using AI carry an additional 6-12 months imprisonment and fines up to $5,000; felonies carry an additional minimum 2 years imprisonment and fines of at least $5,000

Prosecutors must provide written notice on the indictment or information that they are seeking the AI-related penalty enhancement, specifying the factors that authorize it

Expands child exploitation material laws to criminalize transmitting, distributing, or possessing AI-generated depictions of children that "would appear realistic to a reasonable observer" engaging in sexually explicit conduct

Effective date is July 1, 2026