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MS SB2321

Bill

Status

Failed

2/3/2026

Primary Sponsor

Bart Williams

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Amends Mississippi's computer fraud statute (Section 97-45-3) to align with federal computer fraud law elements under 18 U.S.C. § 1030

  • Adds new criminal offenses including unauthorized computer access, accessing protected computers with intent to defraud for things of value exceeding $5,000/year, and trafficking passwords to enable unauthorized access

  • Criminalizes computer-based extortion through threats to damage protected computers, obtain information without authorization, or demands for payment related to computer damage

  • Establishes tiered penalties based on damage/loss amounts: under $1,000 (misdemeanor with up to 6 months jail and $1,000 fine); $1,000-$5,000 (up to 5 years and $10,000 fine); $5,000-$25,000 (up to 10 years); $25,000+ (up to 20 years)

  • Defines key terms including "protected computer" (covering financial institution, government, and election system computers), "damage," "loss," and "exceeds authorized access" to provide clearer statutory guidance

Legislative Description

Computer fraud; amend provision to mirror federal, criminal elements.

Last Action

Died In Committee

2/3/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary, Division B1/19/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available