HB 720 Mississippi House · 2026 Regular Session

Rape; remove element of force.

HB 720 removes "force" as a required element for rape convictions in Mississippi, meaning prosecutors no longer need to prove physical resistance or overpowering to secure a conviction. Instead, the law focuses on the absence of consent, aligning with modern legal standards for sexual assault. The bill also updates related provisions, including definitions for terms like "mentally incapacitated" and "physically helpless," and requires criminal sexual assault protection orders that remain in effect for at least two years after sentencing. These changes directly affect individuals accused of rape and victims seeking legal protection, shifting the legal framework toward consent-based accountability.
Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 15, 2026 Last action Feb 3, 2026
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Total actions
2
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0
Committee
1
Jan 15, 2026
Committee
Referred To Judiciary B;Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Dana McLean
Dana McLean
RRepublican
MS
39