New Mississippi laws taking effect July 1

Starting July 1, new Mississippi laws are taking effect and bringing big changes.

Here’s a look at a few of them.

Senate Bill 2369 requires casinos to intercept gambling winnings from parents who owe back child support.

Senate Bill 2710 changes how some firearm-related offenses for minors are handled.  It allows certain alleged violent crimes committed by a minor while in possession of a gun to be moved from youth court to circuit court, meaning they could be treated as adult cases.

Lawmakers say this comes as youth gun violence becomes a growing concern.

Senate Bill 2695, which was passed in 2024, impacts new drivers in Mississippi. It requires school districts to establish driver education training programs at high schools starting with the 2026-2027 school year.

Beginning in 2027, all new drivers will be required to complete an approved driver’s education course before getting a license.

House Bill 1224, known as the Mississippi Keeping Kids Safe Online Act, focuses on protecting children on the internet. It requires schools to provide online and social media safety education, while also limiting harmful tech features aimed at kids.

Senate Bill 2588 focuses on election security. It requires election officials to verify voter citizenship using a federal database and allows follow-up checks to make sure only eligible voters remain registered.