Rape; remove element of force.

HB 1598 removes "physical force" as a required element for rape convictions in Mississippi, meaning a person can be convicted of rape based solely on lack of consent rather than proof of force. The bill updates related sections (97-3-101, 97-3-97, 97-3-65) to define sexual battery, statutory rape, and key terms like "mentally incapacitated" or "physically helpless" to align with this change. It affects all individuals accused of rape or sexual assault in Mississippi, shifting prosecution focus to consent violations rather than physical coercion. The bill died in committee in February 2025 after being referred to the Judiciary B committee.