MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Judiciary, Division A
By: Senator(s) McDaniel
AN ACT TO CREATE NEW SECTION 97-5-38, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ENACT THE MISSISSIPPI FREE RANGE PARENTING ACT TO PROVIDE THAT IT SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED NEGLECT FOR A PARENT TO PERMIT A CHILD WHO IS OF SUFFICIENT AGE AND MATURITY TO AVOID HARM OR UNREASONABLE RISK OF HARM, TO ENGAGE IN INDEPENDENT ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL, INCLUDING BY WALKING, RUNNING OR BICYCLING, TRAVELING TO AND FROM NEARBY COMMERCIAL OR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, AND ENGAGING IN OUTDOOR PLAY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. The following shall be codified as Section 97-5-38, Mississippi Code of 1972:
97-5-38. (1) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Mississippi Free Range Parenting Act."
(2) It shall not be considered neglect for a parent to permit a child who is of sufficient age and maturity to avoid harm or unreasonable risk of harm, to engage in independent activities, including:
(a) Traveling to and from school, including by walking, running or bicycling;
(b) Traveling to and from nearby commercial or recreational facilities;
(c) Engaging in outdoor play;
(d) Remaining in a vehicle unattended;
(e) Remaining at home unattended; or
(f) Engaging in a similar independent activity.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2023.