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MississippiSB 23112025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Theft and fraud; criminalize activity related to the mail and credit cards.

Sponsored By: Joey Fillingane (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Judiciary BJudiciary, Division B

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Card counterfeiters face rising penalties

Beginning July 1, 2025, Mississippi criminalizes obtaining, possessing, transferring, or using counterfeit payment cards or covered account data to harm or defraud. Covered data include card numbers, expiration dates, and digital card data; account-holder consent matters for these data. Fewer than five items is a misdemeanor carrying up to one year in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both. Five to nine items is a felony carrying one to five years and a fine up to $5,000. Ten to 49 items carries five to fifteen years and a fine up to $10,000. Fifty or more carries ten to twenty years and a fine up to $20,000. Possessing five or more covered data items creates a presumption of no consent that evidence can overcome. That presumption excludes lawful business and government activity. Offenders must fully repay victims; courts may also award lost income and other expenses, but not attorney's fees. Cases can be brought where the crime occurred or where the victim lives or does business. Conduct violating multiple laws can be counted together.

Card skimmers face broader fraud penalties

Beginning July 1, 2025, Mississippi bans direct or indirect possession or use of card-scanning or data-rewriting devices without cardholder permission and with intent to defraud. The rules cover magnetic-stripe and chip cards; payment-card definitions also include debit, benefit, stored-value cards, and card numbers. A first offense is a felony carrying up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. Repeat convictions carry one to ten years in prison and a possible fine up to $20,000. Offenders must fully repay victims and others with financial losses, and prosecution under other applicable laws remains allowed.

Mail and check thieves face penalties

Beginning July 1, 2025, Mississippi criminalizes mail theft, mail fraud, mailbox damage, and knowingly handling illegally obtained mail. It also bans stealing or copying mail-access keys or locks, and possessing them for unlawful use or sale. The law covers stolen signed or unsigned checks and electronic payment orders, including knowing receipt for use or improper transfer. First offenses carry up to five years in prison, a fine up to $5,000, or both. Repeat convictions carry one to ten years in prison and a possible fine up to $20,000. Convicted people must fully repay victims and others who suffered financial loss. Cases can be prosecuted where the crime occurred or where a direct or indirect victim lives or does business.

Counterfeit check tools now count as forgery

Beginning July 1, 2025, Mississippi expands forgery to cover possessing or using check-printing software or hardware with intent to make counterfeit financial instruments. It also covers plates and engraving tools held for the specified counterfeiting purposes. Covered instruments include checks, drafts, promissory notes, certificates of deposit, and treasury notes. These acts fall under forgery penalties; the law does not set a separate penalty amount for these tools.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joey Fillingane

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Chad McMahan

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 166 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2025

Passed

Yes: 115 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 2/11/2025

Passed

Yes: 51 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    3/12/2025legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/11/2025House

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/10/2025Senate

  4. Returned For Enrolling

    3/6/2025House

  5. Passed

    3/5/2025House

  6. Title Suff Do Pass

    3/3/2025House

  7. Referred To Judiciary B

    2/14/2025House

  8. Transmitted To House

    2/12/2025Senate

  9. Passed

    2/11/2025Senate

  10. Title Suff Do Pass

    2/4/2025Senate

  11. Referred To Judiciary, Division B

    1/20/2025Senate

Bill Text

Related Bills

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