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MississippiHB 15772026 Regular SessionHouse

Child abuse; clarify willful false claims of.

Sponsored By: Kevin Felsher (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Judiciary BJudiciary, Division B

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Tougher penalties for false crime reports

Beginning July 1, 2026, it is illegal to knowingly report a false crime, including child abuse. If convicted, the court can fine you up to $5,000, jail you for up to one year, or both. The court can also order you to repay reasonable investigation or prosecution costs to police or child protection. Cases can be brought by the Attorney General, a county attorney, or the district attorney where the child or the subject lives.

Good faith child abuse reporters are immune

Beginning July 1, 2026, anyone who reports suspected child abuse or helps with the case in good faith is presumed to act in good faith. They are immune from civil or criminal liability. This covers people like doctors, teachers, nurses, social workers, child‑care staff, ministers, and police.

Clearer rules and defenses for reporters

Starting July 1, 2026, a report is false when it lacks credible evidence and the person knew it was false. For child-abuse reports, the same rule defines a willful false claim. If you reasonably relied on credible evidence or credible information when you reported, that is a defense. These rules apply to crime and child-abuse reports.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kevin Felsher

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 286 • No: 2

House vote • 3/18/2026

Concurred in Amend From Senate

Yes: 120 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 47 • No: 2 • Other: 2

House vote • 2/12/2026

Passed

Yes: 119 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    3/30/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/24/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/23/2026House

  4. Concurred in Amend From Senate

    3/18/2026House

  5. Returned For Concurrence

    3/6/2026Senate

  6. Passed As Amended

    3/4/2026Senate

  7. Amended

    3/4/2026Senate

  8. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    2/25/2026Senate

  9. Referred To Judiciary, Division B

    2/17/2026Senate

  10. Transmitted To Senate

    2/13/2026House

  11. Passed

    2/12/2026House

  12. Committee Substitute Adopted

    2/12/2026House

  13. Read the Third Time

    2/11/2026House

  14. Title Suff Do Pass Comm Sub

    2/3/2026House

  15. Referred To Judiciary B

    1/19/2026House

Bill Text

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