MississippiCertain sexual battery convictions carry minimum prison terms in Mississippi
One category of sexual battery carries five to 30 years in prison, or ten to 40 for repeat offenses, with separate sentencing rules for people ages 13–17.
What it does
Certain sexual battery convictions carry at least five years in prison, or ten years for repeat offenses. Judges retain discretion to choose sentences for people ages 13–17.
Argument forRequired prison terms could protect the public by keeping people convicted of these offenses away from the community for several years.
Argument againstMinimum prison terms could limit judges’ ability to choose shorter sentences based on the circumstances of an individual case.
More detail
Courts must impose prison terms of five to 30 years for this category of sexual battery, or ten to 40 years for a second or later offense. These minimum terms apply to convictions under Section 97-3-95(2). That section’s definition of the offense is not included. For people ages 13–17 convicted of sexual battery, judges may choose imprisonment, a fine, or another sentence. The law took effect July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 8Approved by Governor Tate ReevesBecame Law
- Apr 6Enrolled Bill SignedTo Governor
- Apr 6Enrolled Bill Signed
- Apr 1Conference Report Adopted
- Vote recorded Adopt Conference Report. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 31Conference Report Adopted
- Vote recorded Adopt Conference Report. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 30Conference Report Filed
- Mar 30Conference Report Filed
- Mar 23Conferees Named Fillingane,Sparks,Suber
- Mar 23Conferees Named Horan,Owen,Burch
- Mar 18Decline to Concur/Invite Conf
- Mar 11Returned For Concurrence
- Mar 11Motion to Reconsider Tabled
- Mar 10Motion to Reconsider Entered
- Vote recorded Passage as Amended. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 10Passed As AmendedPassed Senate
- Mar 10AmendedMajor
- Mar 3Title Suff Do Pass As AmendedMinor
- Feb 17Referred To Judiciary, Division BMinor
- Feb 12Transmitted To SenateMinor
- Feb 11PassedPassed House
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 11Committee Substitute AdoptedMajor
- Feb 3Title Suff Do Pass Comm SubMinor
- Jan 12Referred To Judiciary BIntroduced
Criminal Justice