MS SB2820

Criminalizes landlords or property managers who receive utility payments from tenants under a lease but knowingly fail to pay the utility company within 60 days of receiving the bill, or who use deception to avoid payment.

Establishes tiered felony penalties: up to 20 years imprisonment and $50,000 fine for misappropriation of $25,000 or more; up to 10 years and $10,000 fine for $5,000-$24,999; up to 5 years and $3,000 fine for $1,000-$4,999.

Sets misdemeanor penalty of up to 6 months jail and $1,000 fine for amounts under $1,000, with enhanced penalties of up to 2 years for repeat offenders with two or more prior convictions.

Requires convicted offenders to pay full restitution to victims and others who suffered financial losses.

Exempts situations where tenants failed to pay sufficient funds or where delays resulted from administrative, clerical, or technical errors by the utility company.