Grooming of a child; revise age of child for criminal element.

HB 30 creates a new criminal offense for "grooming of a child" in Mississippi, making it illegal for anyone over 21 to engage in a pattern of communication or conduct intended to prepare a child under 18 for sexual exploitation, trafficking, or sexual servitude. The bill defines key terms like "pattern of conduct" and specifies penalties: 2-10 years in prison or $10,000 fines for first offenses, with harsher penalties for those in positions of trust (e.g., teachers, coaches) or repeat offenders. It does not change the age definition for "child" (still under 18), but establishes new legal mechanisms to prosecute grooming behavior before sexual acts occur. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and never became law.