MississippiHB 3772026 Regular SessionHouse

The Missing Persons Reporting and Identification Act; create to require input of missing persons in NamUs.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Faster action on missing-person reports

Mississippi law enforcement cannot make people wait to report someone missing or require next of kin to appear first. For credible reports, agencies must start identification steps as soon as possible and within 10 days. Missing children must be entered in NamUs without delay. Agencies must share case records, enter available identifying details, and update NamUs within five days after a person is found or identified. Training standards must include at least two hours on missing-person and unidentified-person investigations.

New safeguards for unidentified remains

Unidentified remains and material suspected to be human must be reported and sent to the State Medical Examiner. Anyone who takes possession of unidentified remains must send them there immediately; the remains cannot be cremated, embalmed, or otherwise destroyed. After holding unidentified remains for 45 days, the Medical Examiner must use forensic genetic genealogy testing. Investigators must enter unclaimed remains in NamUs within five days after identification and no later than 15 days after death. Unidentified remains follow these separate rules, not the ordinary county process for bodies unclaimed for burial or cremation within 48 hours.

Counties pay to transport bodies

When a body is transported for an autopsy, it must go directly to an autopsy facility in a secure conveyance approved by the State Medical Examiner. The county receiving the service pays the transport cost. If transport is delayed, the county must store the body in an environment that supports preservation until it can be moved.

Felony penalty for destroying remains

A person who willfully destroys a body, body part, or unidentified remains in violation of the law commits a felony. The penalty is a fine of up to $5,000, up to two years in prison, or both.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jay McKnight
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Fred Shanks
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 343 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 52 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 120 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 51 • No: 0

House vote • 2/12/2026

Passed