SB 2446

AN ACT TO CREATE THE "HEALING OUTREACH, PREVENTION AND EDUCATION (HOPE) ACT"; TO SET FORTH LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS; TO REQUIRE THAT, BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2027, EVERY NURSE UNDER THE PURVIEW OF THE MISSISSIPPI BOARD OF NURSING WHO APPLIES FOR A NURSING LICENSE OR LICENSE RENEWAL SHALL CERTIFY TO THE BOARD THAT HE OR SHE HAS COMPLETED ONE HOUR OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING TRAINING THAT INCLUDES A TRAUMA-INFORMED CURRICULUM DESIGNED TO EDUCATE NURSES ON IDENTIFYING, RESPONDING TO AND REPORTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING; TO REQUIRE SUCH NURSES TO REPORT ANY SUSPECTED CASE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING INVOLVING A MINOR TO THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIONS 43-21-353 AND 97-5-51, AND TO REPORT ANY SUSPECTED CASE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING INVOLVING AN ADULT TO APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES WHEN A VICTIM IS IN IMMINENT DANGER, AFTER CONFIRMING A VICTIM'S CONSENT, OR IN ANY OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE WHEN DISCLOSURE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES IS REQUIRED BY LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 45-33-23, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION BY PERSONS CONVICTED OF HUMAN SEX TRAFFICKING; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.