MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Judiciary

By: Senator(s) Bean

Senate Bill 2213

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 43-17-25, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE FRAUDULENT RECEIPT OF TANF ASSISTANCE MAY BE PROSECUTED AS A MISDEMEANOR; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 43-17-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

43-17-25. Whoever obtains, or attempts to obtain, or aids or abets any child to obtain by means of a willfully false statement or representation, or by impersonation or other fraudulent device:

(1) TANF assistance to which the child is not entitled; or

(2) TANF assistance greater than that to which he is justly entitled, shall be subject to the criminal penalties prescribed in Section 97-19-71; or shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than Twenty-five Hundred Dollars ($2500.00) or be imprisoned for not more than twelve (12) months, or both, in the discretion of the court.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1998.