HB705 • 2026

Enhanced penalties for use of mask in commission of a crime; authorize.

AN ACT TO REQUIRE COURTS TO ADD AN ENHANCED PENALTY FOR CRIMES COMMITTED WHILE WEARING A FACIAL MASK OR FACIAL COVERING DURING THE COMMISSION OF SUCH CRIME; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Crime

Did Not Pass

The latest official action shows that this bill did not move forward in that session.

Sponsor: Hulum, Arnold, Blackwell, Carpenter, Estrada, Foster, Haney, Remak
Last action: 2026-02-03
Official status: Dead
Effective date: July 1, 20

Plain English Breakdown

The exact nature of 'related purposes' mentioned in the official summary and text is unclear.

Stricter Punishments for Crimes Committed While Wearing Masks

This bill requires courts to impose longer prison sentences on individuals who commit crimes while wearing facial masks or other face coverings.

What This Bill Does

Requires judges to add an enhanced penalty of at least one year but no more than two years in prison for crimes committed while wearing a mask, hood, or similar item that conceals the face.

Who It Names or Affects

People who commit crimes while wearing masks, hoods, or other items that hide their face will receive longer sentences if convicted after July 1, 2026.

Terms To Know

Enhanced penalty: A stricter punishment given by the court for crimes committed while wearing a facial mask or similar item that conceals the face.
Facial mask or covering: Any item that covers part or all of a person's face, such as a mask or hood.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill did not pass and was stopped in committee.
It only applies to crimes committed after July 1, 2026, if it were to become law.

Bill History

2026-02-03 Mississippi Legislative Bill Status System
02/03 (H) Died In Committee
2026-01-14 Mississippi Legislative Bill Status System
01/14 (H) Referred To Judiciary B

Official Summary Text

Enhanced penalties for use of mask in commission of a crime; authorize.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

H. B. No. 705 *HR43/R736* ~ OFFICIAL ~ G1/2
26/HR43/R736
PAGE 1 (GT\KP)
ST: Enhanced penalties for use of mask in
commission of a crime; authorize.
To: Judiciary B
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026

By: Representatives Hulum, Arnold,
Blackwell, Carpenter, Estrada, Foster, Haney,
Remak

HOUSE BILL NO. 705

AN ACT TO REQUIRE COURTS TO ADD AN ENHANCED PENALTY FOR 1
CRIMES COMMITTED WHILE WEARING A FACIAL MASK OR FACIAL COVERING 2
DURING THE COMMISSION OF SUCH CRIME; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: 4
SECTION 1. The court shall provide an enhanced imprisonment 5
penalty of no less than one (1) year, but no more than two (2) 6
years in the custody of the Department of Corrections for any 7
person who wore a facial mask, hood or other item that fully or 8
partially concealed his or her face during commission of the crime 9
for which he or she is being sentenced. 10
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from 11
and after July 1, 2026. 12