In one paragraph
Mississippi's HB 840 (2026) would have allowed enhanced penalties when a trier of fact finds beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant knowingly and intentionally used an artificial intelligence system in committing a designated offense. It would also have amended Section 97-5-33 to cover visual depictions of a child that would appear realistic to a reasonable observer engaging in sexually explicit conduct. It was referred to Judiciary B on January 16, 2026, and died in committee on February 3, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died and never became law. It would have allowed added prison time and fines for people who knowingly and intentionally use AI systems to commit listed crimes; it sets no duties for businesses.
Key provisions
- Would define "used an artificial intelligence system" as being the proximate cause of an AI system receiving an input or providing an output
- Designated offenses would include vulnerable-person abuse, stalking, sexual extortion, certain offenses against children, forgery, false pretenses, and computer crimes and identity theft
- Misdemeanor: the penalty may be enhanced by 6 to 12 months' imprisonment and a fine up to $5,000
- Felony: the penalty may be enhanced by at least 2 years and a fine of at least $5,000; where the offense carries a 2-year-or-longer minimum, by that minimum plus 1 year and a fine of at least $5,000
- For the enhancement to apply, notice that it will be sought would have to be given (on the information or indictment for felonies; written notice for misdemeanors), in a clause separate from the substantive offense charged
- Would amend Miss. Code 97-5-33 so its bans on sending, distributing and possessing depictions of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct cover depictions of a child that would appear realistic to a reasonable observer (Sec. 2)
- Referred to Judiciary B on January 16, 2026; died in committee February 3, 2026
Latest legislative action
Feb 3, 2026. Died In Committee
Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Jill Ford R | Sponsor | HD-073 |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error