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Table of Contents
While we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws are often full of nuances and gaps. Legal challenges in some states have resulted in different registration requirements based on the year of conviction or first registration. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/
Mississippi Laws Regarding Registration
Who must register?
MSC 45-33-23
http://state.sor.dps.ms.gov/so_law.html#SECT453323
What information must registrants provide?
MSC 45-33-25 (2)
http://state.sor.dps.ms.gov/so_law.html#SECT453325
How frequently must they register?
Duration 15/25/life § 45-33-47
http://state.sor.dps.ms.gov/so_law.html#SECT453347
Frequency MSC 45-33-31
http://state.sor.dps.ms.gov/so_law.html#SECT453331
Does the state categorize registrants by levels/tiers?
Yes. The tiers are: Tier One, Tier Two, and Tier Three.
§ 45-33-47(2)
http://state.sor.dps.ms.gov/so_law.html#SECT453347
Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels to registrants?
No.
Do any registrants remain privately registered? If so, who?
No.
Are there special restrictions for registrants even after supervision?
Residency restrictions: 3,000 feet from a school or day care; cannot loiter within 500 feet of a school or day care. Some exceptions apply.
MSC 45-33-25 (4)http://state.sor.dps.ms.gov/so_law.html#SECT453325
MSC 45-33-26 http://state.sor.dps.ms.gov/so_law.html#SECT453326
MSC 45-33-49 http://state.sor.dps.ms.gov/so_law.html#SECT453349
Fees § 45-33-57 (Current fee is $11 - this is not spelled out in statute)
http://state.sor.dps.ms.gov/so_law.html#SECT453357
Is there a process for removal from the registry? If so, who qualifies and what is the process?
MSC 45-33-47 http://state.sor.dps.ms.gov/so_law.html#SECT453347
What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who is visiting your state?
Not specified but the word ‘lodges’ is used several time. § 45-33-36
http://state.sor.dps.ms.gov/so_law.html#SECT453336
What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who will be moving to your state to live or to attend school?
Notify 10 days PRIOR to moving to state; once there, register within 3 days. § 45-33-27
http://state.sor.dps.ms.gov/so_law.html#SECT453327
State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration
What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?
MSC 97-3-53, 54.1, 54.3, 65, 71, 95, 101, 104, 107; 97-5-5, 23, 24, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 41; 97-29-3, 39(1)©, 45(1)(a), 59, 61(2), 63; 43-47-18; 97-1-7
Go to http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/mscode/ then choose the applicable code number listed.
Does the state have lifetime supervision?
No.
Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?
No.
What are the state civil commitment laws?
None.
What is the age of consent?
Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?
Info for State Advocates
Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?
Permanently barred if have committed certain crimes, including rape.
https://felonvoting.procon.org/state-felon-voting-laws/#mississippi
in flux? Lawsuit in 2017
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2017/09/29/mississippi-lifetime-felon-voting-ban/715774001/
What does the state say about persons who are required to register?
How does the state’s legislative process work?
How can I locate legislation regarding sexual offense issues?
On the MS Legislature site, hover over “Legislation” and select “Measure search” if you already know a bill number or statute. Select “text search” for a more robust search. But this is clunky.
http://www.legislature.ms.gov/
Select session, then choice of search criteria such as by committee or bill # or key words
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2018/pdf/mainmenu.htm
For an easier time of it, go to Legiscan, enter Mississippi for the state, and use “sexual offense” or “sex offender” or “sexual offender” for best results.
https://legiscan.com/gaits/search?state=MS&keyword=sexual+offense
Best keywords are:
sex offense, sex offense, or sexual
Sign up for notifications of bill movement:
Offers free and subscription services
https://legiscan.com/
Most important legislative committees for our issues are:
House corrections and several judiciary; no links to individual committees, just to list with members
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/htms/h_cmtememb.xml
Senate same; corrections and 2 judiciary
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/htms/s_cmtememb.xml
Contact info for state legislators can be found at:
House Roster: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/members/h_roster.pdf
Senate Roster: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/members/s_roster.pdf
Other Useful State Information
Contact information for state registry office
MS State Sex Offender Registry Office
http://state.sor.dps.ms.gov/ContactUs.aspx
Mississippi SOR, Post Office Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205
601-987-1540
RSOL state affiliate website or blog:
None yet!
Other helpful information
ACLU Mississippi: http://www.aclu-ms.org/