Update on Mississippi Laws, 2019

Several new laws took effect in Mississippi in 2019, including one that increases teachers’ pay and two that are designed to ease burdens on those who face court fines or are trying to find employment after a criminal conviction.

Here are some of the measures passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Phil Bryant:

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

House Bill 1352 eases penalties on some Mississippians accused or convicted of crimes. It stops the automatic suspension of driver’s licenses for non-payment of fines or drug possession and creates ”intervention courts” to handle cases involving veterans, drugs and mental health issues.

JOB LICENSING

Senate Bill 2781, named the “Fresh Start Act of 2019,” says a criminal conviction does not disqualify people from receiving a job license unless the conviction was directly related to the job for which the license is required. Groups that issue job licenses are banned from using phrases such as “moral turpitude.”

TEACHER PAY

Senate Bill 2770 authorizes a $1,500 pay raise for teachers.

PROPERTY OWNER LIABILITY

Senate Bill 2901, called the ”Landowners Protection Act,” says that anyone who owns, leases, operates or maintains commercial property in Mississippi will not be liable for any injury on the property caused by another person, unless the person in charge of the property did something that “impelled” the harmful action. Supporters say the new law will provide financial protection for property owners or managers, while critics say it could lead to negligence.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS

House Bill 571 prevents charges from being filed against trafficking victims who are younger than 18 years old. The minor would be taken into protective custody and provided counseling. Foster parents would be trained to help trafficking victims.

TERROR THREATS

Senate Bill 2141 creates a new felony of making a terroristic threat and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

GUNS IN COURTHOUSES

House Bill 1581 clarifies an existing law about guns in courthouses – guns may be banned in courtrooms, jury rooms, witness rooms and judges chambers but may not be banned in hallways, on courthouse grounds or other areas in or around a courthouse that are generally open to the public.

CHURCH PROTECTION

House Bill 390 says retired law enforcement officers may work as security for churches or other houses of worship and may be immune from civil lawsuits in that role.