Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2208

Introduced
1/20/25  
Refer
1/20/25  
Engrossed
2/5/25  
Refer
2/10/25  
Enrolled
3/7/25  

Caption

Mississippi Terroristic Threats Law; provide enhanced penalty for threat against airport.

Impact

The modifications to Section 97-7-75 of the Mississippi Code detail that making a terroristic threat is a felony, punishable by imprisonment for a maximum of ten years. Notably, if the threat targets an airport, offenders will incur a minimum additional sentence of five years. This change aims to deter potential threats against airport safety, potentially affecting local law enforcement's approach to handling such threats and could reassure the public about safety measures being enacted.

Summary

Senate Bill 2208, known as the amended Mississippi Terroristic Threats Law, seeks to enhance the penalty for individuals who make terroristic threats against airports. Specifically, it introduces stricter sentencing guidelines whereby individuals convicted of making such threats will face increased incarceration time. This legislative change is an effort to bolster security measures at airports, reflecting the growing concerns regarding airport safety in the context of national and local security considerations.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding SB2208 seems to lean towards support, particularly among security advocates and lawmakers emphasizing the importance of heightened penalties as a deterrent. However, potential concerns may arise regarding the implications for civil liberties and the broad definitions of threats that could be interpreted under this law. The necessity of protecting public safety is echoed in the discussions among legislators, suggesting a consensus on the bill's intent despite possible dissent on its breadth.

Contention

Opponents of the bill might argue that the enhanced penalties could lead to overreach and misuse of the law, especially given the vagueness that can exist around defining terroristic threats. They may raise issues about the implications for free speech and the potential chilling effect on individuals who may voice concerns or frustrations that could be misinterpreted as threats. Therefore, while the law aims to enhance security, it walks a fine line regarding civil liberties and could spark debates about the balance between safety and rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

MS HB1420

Terroristic threats; increase penalties when made against an airport.

MS HB617

Patriot's Day; designate September 11th of each year as.

MS HB995

First Responder Halo Act of 2025; create to require a 25-feet area of noninterference around first responders engaged in their lawful duty.

MS HC54

Congress; call upon to pass legislation repealing the FACE Act and commending President Trump for pardoning certain Americans convicted thereunder.

MS SR36

Urge United States Congress to repeal "The Face Act."

MS HB1260

Foreign Third-Party Litigation Funders; require disclosure to the Attorney General.

MS HB1422

Vaccine Discrimination and Transparency Act; create.

US HB1374

Securing the Cities Improvement ActThis bill makes changes to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office's (CWMD's) Securing the Cities program, which seeks to detect nuclear or radiological materials to prevent terrorist attacks and other events posing a risk to cities in the United States.Specifically, the bill requires the CWMD to establish performance metrics and milestones for the program and to track performance against them.Also, under current law, in carrying out the Securing the Cities program, the CWMD may only partner with cities that are high-risk urban areas, which are designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under a different program. Instead, the bill requires the CWMD to designate the jurisdictions it may partner with for the program, and the designations must be based on the capability and capacity of the jurisdiction relating to preparedness and response, as well as the relative threat to, vulnerability of, and consequences for, such jurisdiction regarding terrorist attacks and other high-consequence events utilizing nuclear or radiological materials.Additionally, within two years of enactment of the bill, the CWMD must submit a report to Congress regarding participation in the Securing the Cities program, the establishment of metrics and milestones, performance against such metrics and milestones, and plans for any changes to the program.