Mississippi legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Mississippi HB705: Enhanced penalties for use of mask in commission of a crime; authorize.
Status: Failed, February 3, 2026
AN ACT TO REQUIRE COURTS TO ADD AN ENHANCED PENALTY FOR CRIMES COMMITTED WHILE WEARING A FACIAL MASK OR FACIAL COVERING DURING THE COMMISSION OF SUCH CRIME; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
What the bill says
An act to require courts to add an enhanced penalty for crimes committed while wearing a facial mask or facial covering during the commission of such crime; and for related purposes.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT TO REQUIRE COURTS TO ADD AN ENHANCED PENALTY FOR CRIMES COMMITTED WHILE WEARING A FACIAL MASK OR FACIAL COVERING DURING THE COMMISSION OF SUCH CRIME; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: SECTION 1. The court shall provide an enhanced imprisonment penalty of no less than one (1) year, but no more than two (2) years in the custody of the Department of Corrections for any person who wore a facial mask, hood or other item that fully or partially concealed his or her face during commission of the crime for which he or she is being sentenced. SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2026. *HR43/R736* H. B. No. 705 ~ OFFICIAL ~ G1/2 26/HR43/R736 ST: Enhanced penalties for use of mask in PAGE 1 (GT\KP) commission of a crime; authorize.
Sponsors
- Hulum, Jeffrey (D, 119) · primary sponsor
- Arnold, William Tracy (R, 3)
- Blackwell, Charles (R, 88)
- Carpenter, Lester (R, 1)
- Estrada, Jim (R, 33)
- Foster, Stephanie (D, 63)
- Haney, Greg (R, 118)
- Remak, Kimberly (R, 7)
Latest actions
- : Died In Committee
- : Referred To Judiciary B
Subjects: Enhanced penalties for use of mask in commission of a crime
Common questions
- What is HB705?
- HB705 is a bill in the Mississippi Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Enhanced penalties for use of mask in commission of a crime; authorize.
- What does HB705 do?
- In its own words: An act to require courts to add an enhanced penalty for crimes committed while wearing a facial mask or facial covering during the commission of such crime; and for related purposes.
- What is the status of HB705?
- Failed as of February 3, 2026. Latest action: Died In Committee (February 3, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB705?
- Hulum, Jeffrey (D, 119), with 7 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB705?
- On the Mississippi Legislature website: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0705.xml
Source: official Mississippi record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.